The newest adaption of Jane Austen’s Emma is fun and a bit snarkier than its predecessors (excluding Clueless). Director Autumn de Wilde described EMMA. as humanized, not modernized. Is this version of Emma kid friendly? It’s hard to scandalize a period piece, but parents, be aware of a couple of scenes that come out of nowhere.
Is Emma Kid Friendly?
EMMA. (yes, that period is supposed to be there) stays true to the classic story, and as a Jane Austen fan, I enjoyed the extra touch of snobbery and stink-eye Anya Taylor-Joy brought to the role. If looks could kill…
The movie begins with Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich who had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her. She considers herself a matchmaker and throughout the film her meddling causes angst amongst family and friends. Though through her shenanigans, we see Emma’s humbling progress.
EMMA. is rated PG for brief nudity. Yes, it’s more nudity than you would expect for a PG movie.
Language
There is no inappropriate language.
Violence
No violence is shown onscreen. One character talks about chasing off thieves.
Mature Content
So about that partial nudity. When introduced to George Knightley, about 7 minutes into the movie, you’ll see George undress and a complete naked backside -butt and all. Then there are some close up shots of upper thigh sitting down and then standing up getting dressed. It’s not sexual in nature, but completely unnecessary for this kind of movie.
Also, a few minutes after that, Emma warms up by the fire, lifts up her skirt, and you see a little bit of naked side bum.
There are also several kisses throughout the film.
While none of the nudity is sexual, it definitely catches you off guard for a Jane Austen movie and kids are sure to say something about it.
Is EMMA 2020 Worth the Watch?
There is much to enjoy in this 2020 Emma adaptation. The film starts off slowly, perhaps that is why some nudity was thrown in to wake up the audience. But I expect it was another way to humanize the characters, especially the wealthy ones.
And while I think any nudity is out of place in this film, it was a refreshing change to see the male character exposed more so than the female lead. Usually it’s the woman who has to bare it all.
From the get-go, 2020 Emma is less angelic than Gwyneth Paltrow’s Emma. She’s more uppity, snobbish, and kind of bratty. She’s a mood, and I love it.
As you get more of the supporting characters in the story, things improve even more. Bill Nighy as Emma’s father is a hoot! I wanted more Mr. Woodhouse. Also Miranda Hart as Miss Bates is another delight.
I would recommend EMMA. for kids ages 12 and up unless they really love Jane Austen movies. The physical awkwardness, quirkiness, and satire may be lost on young kids, and they may think it’s mundane. I, however, appreciated the silliness, the hilarious dialogue and banter, and the subtle sexual tension between Emma and George.
While Emma may pat herself on the back for taking Harriet, a poor schoolgirl, under her wing, she later realizes her selfish motives and finds a way to redeem herself, all while George scolds her along the way. Some may not value some of the clumsiness of the scenes, especially the one that you’ve been waiting for, but I thought it made the film charming and relatable.
I’m not one for slapstick, in-your-face funny. It’s the wit that gets me.
Even without the gorgeous costumes and scenery, EMMA. offers up enough through its clever humor for the family to enjoy. Just don’t expect prim and proper.
Emma. is now available at home on demand.
