Into Film kindly offered students tickets to go and watch Emma at the Vue cinema through our school’s film studies GCSE subject. After watching the movie, I thought it would be good to write an honest review.

Emma is a film set in the early 19th century. I think it stands out from other period dramas due to the modern undertones highlighted throughout the film. Personally, I sometimes find period dramas difficult to sit through as they can get repetitive and boring but overall, Emma was enjoyable.

One of my favourite things about this movie was the setting and location. Many of the scenes were shot outside in huge grounds or within a green house near Emma’s (Anya Taylor-Joy) stately home. To me the repetition of the theme surrounding nature suggested new beginnings and symbolized change throughout the film. As well as this, I believe many long shots were used to illustrate the full size of the mansions characters were living in. At times however this made the audience feel alien as to what these characters were experiencing because not many of us teenagers can relate to those in the story.

My favourite character overall was Mrs Bates (Miranda Hart) as despite the fact audiences were supposed to find her loud and irritating, I always found her innocent and lovable. Underneath her naivety to the world around her; we see an insecure woman who is desperate for Emma’s attention and respect. On the other hand, my least favourite character was Mr Elton (Josh O’Connor) this was due to the sudden change in personality when he doesn’t get his own way. SPOILER ALERT. When Emma turns down his hand in marriage he behaves irresponsibly and selfishly, reminding the audience of his privilege and greed.

I am not a huge classical music fan but in Emma the diegetic sound of the piano music really built the fun and excitable ambience of the film. However, in one scene non- diegetic classical music was used to build up tension and stress in the atmosphere. Moreover, having classical music related with the context of the film, throwing the audience straight into the time period it was set in.

Overall, I would recommend this film to teenagers and adults rather than younger children due to the difficult language and mature themes. I would also recommend watching this in a cinema or somewhere you won’t become distracted as it could be easy to get lost while watching. Emma’s father brings a light touch to the film, adding comedy to moments that would otherwise be serious. At the end of the movie, you are left walking out the cinema feeling happy and uplifted as all the characters are happy in the end. This is a good watch and definitely won’t be time wasted.