The 2020 adaptation of Jane Austen's novel Emma, starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Bill Nighy, is now streaming on BBC iPlayer. The film, which has an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, will only be available until November 8.
Cast and critical reception
Anya Taylor-Joy plays the wealthy Emma Woodhouse, a young woman who enjoys meddling in the love lives of others. Bill Nighy stars as her father, Mr Woodhouse, and Mia Goth plays Emma's friend Harriet. The plot follows Emma as she orchestrates a love affair for Harriet, only to discover surprising feelings of her own.
Directed by Autumn de Wilde, the film is celebrated for its bright costumes and set design, as well as its fresh take on the 1818 novel. Reviews have described it as "visually stunning" and "a delight".
Mixed audience reactions
One reviewer wrote: "Phenomenal adaptation. Hilarious, beautifully filmed, witty, and well-acted. Rewards multiple viewings. Easily one of my favourite Jane Austen adaptations and I've seen them all, many times."
Another said: "This feels like Wes Anderson meets Jane Austen in the best way. The actors felt spot on and the visuals were stunning. I love how conceited Anya Taylor Joy's depiction of Emma is at the beginning so that we can see the juicy messes it causes before she grows to be a better person."
However, not all reactions have been positive. Some reviewers have criticised the film's bubblegum pink aesthetic, calling it "eye-irritating". One person wrote: "So horrible! I got so uneasy after five minutes watching, and stayed for an amazing 15 more minutes. The eye-irritating pink colour, stupid, dramatic, exaggerated expression." Another said: "It is a, too-looong, pinky strawberry flavoured movie. It is entertaining... in a way."
Emma is streaming now on BBC iPlayer.
