Emma (2020) Movie Viewing Guide: Summary/Vocabulary/Questions with KEY

"Emma" is a 2020 period drama film directed by Autumn de Wilde, based on the classic novel of the same name by Jane Austen.

Plot Summary: Set in 19th-century England, "Emma" follows the story of Emma Woodhouse (played by Anya Taylor-Joy), a young and privileged woman who fancies herself a matchmaker. She enjoys arranging romantic connections among her friends and acquaintances in the village of Highbury.

Emma's matchmaking efforts are well-intentioned but often misguided, leading to unintended consequences and misunderstandings. She takes Harriet Smith (played by Mia Goth), a naive and lower-class girl, under her wing and attempts to find her a suitable husband. However, Emma's efforts to pair Harriet with higher-status suitors create a tangled web of romantic entanglements.

As the story unfolds, Emma's own perceptions and understanding of love come into question. She finds herself at odds with her own feelings and realizes that her attempts to control the romantic lives of those around her have unintended effects.

Throughout the film, the audience is introduced to various characters, each with their own desires, motivations, and secrets. The story explores themes of social class, love, self-discovery, and personal growth.

As Emma navigates her own romantic feelings and grapples with her role in the lives of others, she undergoes a transformation from a well-meaning but somewhat misguided young woman to a more self-aware and compassionate individual.

Themes and Interpretations: "Emma" is a satirical exploration of the manners and social dynamics of early 19th-century England. It delves into the complexities of relationships, societal expectations, and the challenges of truly understanding one's own heart and the hearts of others.

Emma (2020)

Movie Guide: Summary/Vocabulary/15 Questions with KEY