Autumn de Wilde directs Anya Taylor-Joy, Mia Goth and Johnny Flynn in this Austen adaption about the matchmaker who goes too far in her meddling.

I had fears over the first hour of this adaptation – especially since the marvellous Gemma Whelan has a prominent role in it and we are mates. You always approach another trotting out of Emma with one question “Can it be as good as Clueless?”. This feels a little too dress up / doll house in the first half – everyone looks the part but it is suffocatingly a sledgehammer of pastels and silks and ribbons. Almost a chintzy tsunami. Once all the players are introduced the Austen wit and sharp characterisation comes to life, set dressing takes a back seat. It all become a bit more tight and worthwhile. And Johnny Flynn makes a very dashing, earthy Knightley.

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