2020 In Review: Emma

The O.G. Clueless gets polished just in time for quarantine season


* * * * *

"Three months of doing more than I wish and less than I want."


Autumn de Wilde’s adaptation of the classic 1815 Jane Austen novel offers nothing new when it comes to the story of the matchmaking, mischievous Emma Woodhouse, and yet through costume design, score, cinematography, and acting (with a little bit of everything else), the 2020 film is easily the best on-screen depiction of Austen‘s renowned romantic comedy... with the exception of Clueless of course.

As if the bubbly pacing, elegant soundtrack, and visually lush set design weren’t enough, Anya Taylor-Joy brings her gigantic eyes to her precarious protagonist in a way that would have caused Alicia Silverstone roll her eyes and twirl her chewing gum in 1995, just to reinstate how privileged and above society norms the leading lady truly is, be it Emma or Cher. Despite a wonderful ensemble cast, this is Taylor-Joy’s film from beginning to finish; riddled with memorable moments ranging from snobbish gossip down to elegant ball room dances fueled with enough sexual tension to be sliced with a goddamned butter knife.

BE AS IT MAY, having the companion piece of a 90s teen comedy like Clueless along the likes of English classic literature such as Emma makes for further morals that an old tale can be spun to whatever generation is preceding it, whether it takes the form of 18th century, nosy, high class gals, or valley girl 90s high school chicks. Either way, it’s poetic, it’s funny, it’s relevant. And that’s something to boast your spot of tea about.

*KEY:

Emma = Cher
Bill Knighy = Daddy
Harriet = Brittany Murphy
Mr. Knightley = Paul Rudd
Mr. Martin = Breckin Meyer
Elton = Elton


*10 points to Wilde

*5 points to Joy


Grade: B+

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