Emma.[lower-alpha 1] is a 2020 British comedy-drama film directed by Autumn de Wilde, from a screenplay by Eleanor Catton and is based on Jane Austen's novel of the same name of 1815. Its story follows Emma Woodhouse, a young woman who interferes in the love lives of her friends. It stars Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn, Josh O'Connor, Callum Turner, Mia Goth, Miranda Hart, and Bill Nighy.
It was released in the United Kingdom on 14 February 2020, and in the United States on 21 February 2020. It received generally favourable reviews from critics, and has grossed $25 million worldwide.
Plot[]
After her governess, Miss Taylor, marries and becomes Mrs. Weston, Emma Woodhouse searches about for a new companion. She settles on Harriet Smith, a girl slightly younger than herself whom Emma supposes is the unclaimed child of a gentleman as her parents are unknown but Harriet's education has been provided for. Emma learns that Mr. Robert Martin, a tenant farmer of her brother-in-law, Mr. Knightley, has proposed to Harriet. Though she claims she will not interfere, Emma manipulates Harriet into declining Mr. Martin's offer of marriage, much to Harriet's distress. In the meantime, Emma believes that Mr. Elton, the local vicar, is in love with Harriet and encourages Harriet to transfer her hopes to him.
At Christmas time Emma's older sister and Mr. Knightley's younger brother arrive to spend time with their family. After the family leaves dinner with the Westons early Emma finds herself travelling home alone in a carriage with Mr. Elton who declares his love for her. Emma promptly refuses him and Mr. Elton disappears for six weeks and eventually returns with a wife.
After Christmas two much talked about members in Emma's social circle appear. Jane Fairfax, the governess niece of Mrs. Bates arrives for a visit and Emma grows jealous of her. Meanwhile Mr. Weston's son from his first marriage, Frank Churchill, also appears and Emma finds herself entranced by him. Frank's arrival prompts the Westons to hold a ball. At the ball Mr. Elton embarrasses Harriet by pointedly refusing to dance with her. She is rescued by Mr. Knightley who asks her to dance. Later on Emma and Mr. Knightley also dance together and romantic feelings are awakened on both sides. Though Emma leaves before Mr. Knightley can speak to her he runs to her home only for their meeting to be interrupted by Frank Churchill who has rescued Harriet after she was set upon by gypsies. Harriet intimates to Emma that she has fallen in love again which leads Emma to believe that she is in love with Frank. Emma vows not to interfere but once again finds herself trying to manipulate circumstances so that Harriet and Frank may spend more time together.
Meanwhile Emma tries to spend more time with Mr. Knightley and is surprised when he repeatedly ignores her.
When the entire party of their social acquaintance goes on a picnic, Frank Churchill urges them to play a game to amuse Emma. Emma unthinkingly insults Miss Bates during the course of the game leading the entire party to disband in discomfort. Mr. Knightley later rebukes Emma for her behaviour. A humiliated Emma later goes to apologize to Miss Bates who accepts her apology without question.
Frank Churchill's wealthy aunt finally dies, so that he is no longer required to be at her beck and call. The Westons reveal that he has actually been secretly engaged to Jane Fairfax and was waiting for the death of his aunt, who was opposed to the match, to break the news. The Westons had hoped he would marry Emma but Emma is only distressed on account of Harriet. However when she breaks the news to Harriet she discovers that Harriet is in love with Mr. Knightley. An astute Harriet realizes that Emma herself is in love with Mr. Knightley.
Mr. Knightley goes to Emma to comfort her about the news of Frank Churchill and to reveal to her that he is in love with her and hopes to marry her. Initially pleased with the offer of marriage, Emma develops a nosebleed when she realizes how upset Harriet will be. She decides to interfere one last time and goes to Mr. Martin to make amends, offering him a portrait of Harriet she drew herself.
Harriet goes to Emma and tells her she has accepted Mr. Martin's offer of marriage and that her father has revealed himself now that she is of age and is not a gentleman at all, but a tradesman who makes galoshes. Emma congratulates Harriet and invites her and her father to her home.
Though Emma and Mr. Knightley are very much in love Emma is distressed at the thought of leaving her father all alone. To accommodate her wishes Mr. Knightley suggests that rather than having Emma quit her father's home he join it. Emma happily agrees and the two are married.
Cast[]
- Anya Taylor-Joy as Emma Woodhouse
- Johnny Flynn as George Knightley
- Bill Nighy as Mr. Woodhouse
- Mia Goth as Harriet Smith
- Miranda Hart as Miss Bates
- Josh O'Connor as Mr. Elton
- Callum Turner as Frank Churchill
- Amber Anderson as Jane Fairfax
- Rupert Graves as Mr. Weston
- Gemma Whelan as Mrs. Weston
- Tanya Reynolds as Mrs. Elton
- Connor Swindells as Robert Martin
Production[]
In October 2018, Anya Taylor-Joy was cast in the film adaptation of Emma, with Autumn de Wilde making her directorial debut with the film.[4] In December 2018, Johnny Flynn joined the cast of the film.[5]
In March 2019, Bill Nighy, Mia Goth, Josh O'Connor, Callum Turner, Miranda Hart, Rupert Graves, Gemma Whelan, Amber Anderson and Tanya Reynolds joined the cast of the film.[6] Alexandra Byrne was costume designer for the film.[7] Principal photography began on March 18, 2019.[8][9] Firle Place in Sussex was used for the exterior of Emma’s home.[10]
Release[]
It was released in the United Kingdom on February 14, 2020, coinciding with Valentine's Day, and was released in the United States on February 21, 2020.[11]
Reception[]
Box office[]
As of March 17, 2020[update], Emma has grossed $10.1 million in the United States and Canada, and $15.1 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $25.2 million.[1][2]
The film made $230,000 from five theaters in its opening weekend for a per-venue average of $46,000, the highest of 2020 at that point.[12] The film went wide two weeks later, grossing $5 million from 1,565 theaters and finishing sixth at the box office.[13]
Critical response[]
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 85% based on 191 reviews, with a weighted average of 7.19/10. The website's critics consensus reads: "Other adaptations may do a better job of consistently capturing the spirit of the classic source material, but Jane Austen fans should still find a solid match in this Emma."[14] On Metacritic, the film was assigned a weighted average score of 71 out of 100, based on 45 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[15]
Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B" on an A+ to F scale, and PostTrak reported it received an average 3 out of 5 stars, with 44% of people saying they would definitely recommend it.[13]
Notes[]
- ↑ The title of the film has a period attached to signify its being a period piece.[3]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Emma. (2020)". https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt9214832/credits/?ref_=bo_tt_tab. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Emma.". https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Emma-(UK)#tab=summary. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
- ↑ Carr, Flora (14 February 2020). "Emma. director Autumn de Wilde explains the film's unusual punctuation". https://www.radiotimes.com/news/film/2020-02-14/emma-title-full-stop-period/.
- ↑ "Anya Taylor-Joy to Star in Jane Austen Adaptation 'Emma' (Exclusive)", The Hollywood Reporter, October 25, 2018. Retrieved on October 29, 2018. (in en)
- ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (December 20, 2018). "Johnny Flynn Joins Focus Features-Working Title's 'Emma'". https://deadline.com/2018/12/johnny-flynn-joins-focus-features-emma-with-anya-taylor-joy-1202523879/. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
- ↑ Grater, Tom (March 21, 2019). "Bill Nighy, Mia Goth, Josh O'Connor, Callum Turner board 'Emma' for Working Title, Blueprint (exclusive)". https://www.screendaily.com/news/bill-nighy-mia-goth-josh-oconnor-callum-turner-board-emma-for-working-title-blueprint-exclusive/5137916.article. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
- ↑ "Alexandra Byrne" (in en-GB). https://www.independenttalent.com/below-the-line/alexandra-byrne/.
- ↑ "Production Weekly" (PDF). Production Weekly. No. 1123. 20 December 2018. p. 19. Retrieved 28 January 2019.
- ↑ de Wilde, Autumn (March 18, 2019). "DAY ONE of production complete". https://www.instagram.com/p/BvKhmK2HLOv/. Retrieved March 19, 2019. "I am thrilled to announce that I am directing Jane Austen’s ”Emma” starring @anyataylorjoy for @focusfeatures @workingtitlefilms & @blueprint.pictures // screenplay by eleanorcatton // photo by @anyataylorjoy // @emmafilm // “Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her.” // #emma #hansomecleverandrich"
- ↑ Medd, James. "Where was 'Emma' filmed?". https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/where-was-emma-filmed.
- ↑ "Emma". https://www.launchingfilms.com/release-schedule?filmSearch=Emma. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
- ↑ Ramos, Dino-Ray (February 23, 2020). "‘Emma’ Delivers Charming Opening, ‘Impractical Jokers: The Movie’ Laughs Its Way To $2M Debut – Specialty Box Office". https://deadline.com/2020/02/emma-impractical-jokers-seberg-once-were-brothers-catvideofest-impractical-jokers-specialty-box-office-1202866269/.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 D'Alessandro, Anthony (March 8, 2020). "‘Onward’ Seeing Blasé $40M Domestic Opening, $68M WW: Are Coronavirus Fears Impacting B.O.? – Sunday Update". https://deadline.com/2020/03/onward-opening-weekend-disney-pixar-coronavirus-invisible-man-1202876016/.
- ↑ "Emma. (2020)". https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/emma_2020. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
- ↑ "Emma. Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/movie/emma-2020. Retrieved March 7, 2020.
External links[]
- Emma. at the Internet Movie Database
- Template:Rotten Tomatoes
- Template:Metacritic film
Template:Emma