I appreciate reviews like this, so please follow my blog @ https://www.msbreviews.com. Emma., Autumn de Wilde's first time directing a feature film and Eleanor Catton’s debut as a screenwriter, is something I approached with some hesitation. Period films aren't usually "my thing," though I do enjoy movies like The Favourite and Little Women, which also fall into that genre. My main reason for wanting to see this adaptation was Anya Taylor-Joy; I think she has the potential to become one of the best actresses working today, alongside performers like Florence Pugh, Chloë Grace Moretz, Hailee Steinfeld, Kaitlyn Dever, Saoirse Ronan, and others. Her performance here only reinforces that belief. She’s truly phenomenal as Emma! It took a little while for me to adjust to her voice; she uses a noticeably higher tone than she typically does. While changing accents is common among actors, the way Anya altered her vocal delivery, even with such a subtle change, demonstrates how dedicated she was to the role. She really carries the entire story forward. She’s essential in connecting all of the different storylines and characters; without her, the film wouldn't function as well, so her performance had to be close to flawless. Anya showcases her range and emotional depth, along with a remarkable command of the script, which is full of long sentences and sophisticated language—something only truly gifted actors can handle easily. While Anya’s work stands out, the character she portrays also shines. Emma's development throughout the story is quite interesting. Beyond being “handsome, clever, and rich,” she lacks respect for those less fortunate, manipulates her friends’ romantic lives, and occasionally acts selfishly and arrogantly. Her transformation into a better person forms the most compelling part of the screenplay, but it also highlights my biggest issue with the movie overall. Within just ten minutes, I knew what was going to happen next. I always try not to anticipate events too much, but when it comes to relationships between characters, they are so predictable and obvious that I couldn't help but guess at the plot. The script relies on this same trick repeatedly to twist certain connections, which becomes repetitive and a little dull. I didn’t truly become invested in the film until about an hour in. It is mostly well-paced, but when there’s nothing surprising, innovative, or creative regarding the overall narrative, it's hard to stay captivated. The initial part of the movie felt somewhat confusing with so many characters introduced very quickly. I only realized while writing this review that one secondary character is actually related to a main one. Story and characters are the foundation of any film; if they don’t work, everything else falls apart. While these elements aren't disastrous—the structure is quite good—they lack a distinct quality that would make them memorable. Surprisingly, I didn't find myself bored at all. The cast does a wonderful job keeping me entertained with their strong performances. Bill Nighy (as Mr. Woodhouse) and Miranda Hart (as Miss Bates) are particularly funny. The costume design is gorgeous and also quite important because it effectively illustrates the differences between the wealthy and the poor. Production and set design are fantastic, as is the cinematography (Christopher Blauvelt), and the score (Isobel Waller-Bridge and David Schweitzer) is enjoyable. Nevertheless, despite these technical achievements, the film lacks a unique directorial style—which is understandable given that it’s de Wilde's first feature. Overall, Emma. doesn't quite reach the level of recent period films like The Favourite or Little Women, but it represents a promising start for director Autumn de Wilde and screenwriter Eleanor Catton. Anya Taylor-Joy delivers an exceptional performance as a very well-written Emma Woodhouse, carrying the film to its conclusion and solidifying her place in Hollywood among the greatest actresses of her generation. The rest of the cast is also quite good. The costume design steals the show technically, but the production values are impressive throughout. However, the story lacks surprising elements, which makes one question the need for another adaptation. Why make a film if it doesn't offer anything new? It’s predictable from the start, has a confusing beginning, and it’s difficult to become invested before the sixty-minute mark. If you enjoy period comedy-dramas, I would recommend it. Otherwise, those two films mentioned earlier are probably better choices. Rating: C+

Source on TMDB