Emma.

Music videographer turned filmmaker Autumn de Wilde dusts the Jane Austen Classic, Emma, with a sprinkle of sugar.

“I am going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like,” Jane Austen said of the film’s titular heroine. True to her words, Taylor-Joy’s misguided yet well-meaning Emma is both hard to love and hard to resist. Accompanying her on this journey to self-awareness is a cast of eclectic supporting characters, including Bill Nighy’s pitch-perfect portrayal of the hypochondriacal Mr. Woodhouse.

In this confection-like period comedy, production designer Kave Quinn and set decorator Stella Fox enliven the charming Highbury with pastel hues and a creamy elegance that serve as the ideal backdrop for our heroine to indulge in romantic reveries. The bright-coloured and joyfully decorated locales make for an inviting and tangible quality that is reminiscent of Wes Anderson’s trademark twee. Music video veteran de Wilde makes great use of her expertise in the blocking of the film. The scene-stealing ensemble flits across the screen like an exquisitely choreographed dance. Coupled with the off-beat humour, this new spin on the classic exudes much charm and glee.

The enticing puffs of whimsical air in this 2020 version of Emma is a much-welcomed relief in these arduous times. This is guaranteed to satiate the appetite of many devoted Austen fans.

(Originally posted on 25 July 2020 @projectunwrapped)