As a booklover, I’m usually hesitant when it comes to movie adaptations; I think they’re just bound to be a disappointment.

Except when it comes to Jane Austen.

In this case, bring on all the BBC mini-series and the Keira-Knightley-starring movies, ‘cause I’m all in. I don’t know exactly what’s so satisfying about watching that specific era brought to life – perhaps it’s the courtship rituals that are so far removed from today’s society, or the light-hearted humour woven through the satire. But I expected to be entertained when I saw the latest Austen adaptation, Emma, and I was.

Emma is a favourite Austen novel of mine (along with Pride & Prejudice, of course). I’m fond of the particular set of characters: the confident, slightly arrogant, interfering Emma; the mature, kind Mr. Knightley; and the eccentric, needy father, Mr. Woodhouse.

It was the characters and the way they were portrayed in this movie that really set it apart for me. The actors brought a freshness to the story; there was a definite focus on the comical side of things, especially with Bill Nighy’s rendering of Mr. Woodhouse. He had the servants running to his every whim, partitions constantly revolved around him to fend off cold draughts; yet this precious behaviour was softened by his obvious affection for his daughter.

Emma was played by actress Anya Taylor-Joy, who I think nailed the combination of haughtiness combined with genuine intentions. Emma isn’t immediately likeable, or even conventionally beautiful, as one might expect. She is meddling, arrogant, and think she knows best when it comes to the love lives of those around her. Yet she is obviously well-meaning, with a genuine regard for her father, Harriet Smith, and Mr. Knightley. There is something endearing about her attention to others, even if it is misdirected. 

Mr. Knightley is, of course, her moral guidance, played by Johnny Flynn. It took me a little longer to accept him as Mr. Knightley, as in my head I had imagined him older and with dark hair. Yet apart from the physical disparity from the character in my mind, he was everything Mr. Knightley – kind, even-tempered, handsome, and willing to pull Emma up on her misguided actions. I liked that we saw the character lose control, when he slumps on the floor of one of the rooms of his house where his servants can see him, after the ball. It’s an insight you don’t get to see in the novel, and it shows how strong his feelings are at that point. 

There was a genuine tension between the two characters; I absolutely loved the famous dance scene, where Emma and Mr. Knightley dance together for the first time, after Emma thanks him for coming to the aid of Harriet. You really saw their feelings for each other rise to the surface, and I confess the romantic in me caught my breath a bit when Mr. Knightley ran after Emma’s carriage. What can I say, I’m a sucker for period romance.

Mia Goth as Harriet was simply delightful; I couldn’t help but smile at her character. Innocent, naïve, a little silly – I really thought she cemented the character as a vital part of the movie.

I think it’s obvious I have a bias for Jane Austen, but still – if you’re a fan, go and see this movie! Not only is the acting great but the costumes and setting are beautiful, as to be expected. I know some cinemas in Melbourne are still screening it, so take advantage and go out and see it.