Emma
Emma was released in February of this year and began Anya Taylor-Joy’s fantastic year. Joy was the highlight in two films and Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit miniseries, but her best performance may very well be in this adaptation of Jane Austen’s acclaimed novel.
Set in 1800’s England, Emma interferes in the love lives of her friends as a self-appointed matchmaker Her misguided matchmaking even results in some guttural reactions. Joy’s command of Austen’s dialogue is delightful. Director Autumn De Wilde, Production Designer Kave Quinn and Costume Designer Alexandra Byrne do a great job of bringing the novel and 1800’s England to life. Johnny Flynn turns in a great supporting performance as a frequent verbal sparring partner of Emma’s.
Emma’s status as having the best production design, Joy’s awards caliber performance and brilliant script from Eleanor Catton makes it a worthy inclusion to the best 2020 films list.
