Love Knows Best
Before the circuit break, I’ve been finding that I go back to Austen films and books as a sort of comfort movie to keep on. Sometimes, I’m engrossed completely and other times, I’m trying to cook as I have it in the background, but it always brings me so much joy to have it with me.
So I found it incredibly opportune that the latest retelling of Austen favourite, Emma was released right before this crazy time we’re in. I was supposed to catch it at the cinema, but I had been to Manila less than 14 days prior and they were trying to keep things tight. Luckily for me, I was able to catch it still during our first ever Sunday watch party with my Future Media Empire gals, Chinggay and Macy.
And honestly, I didn’t think I could enjoy another Emma adaptation when the BBC’s 4-part series with Romola Garai and Jonny Lee Miller was just superb. But this one surprised me. Anya Taylor Joy was a JOY to watch as Emma. She brought the vanity and confidence and just a nice take.
Mr Woodhouse played by Bill Nighy was a surprising touch to our favourite hypochondriac and also showed a softer side we never see to Mr. Woodhouse.
Then of course there’s Knightly, played by Johnny Flynn who brings the literal goods in his first scene (a great example of the female gaze in action) and just his eyes. His eyes penetrate you and bore into you with every look. Honestly, it was a worth it slow burn. I especially loved that they showed more to Knightley this time around. They showed his side of the longing and the feeling and it kind of made more sense when his profession came around.
The rest of the cast was also delightful from Frank Churchill to Miss Bates to everyone in the cast just adding their bit of spark that really made this reimagining worth it. Honesty, a delightful watch that I saw it twice and didn’t get sick of it just yet because you know this circuit break isn’t going to end soon and I”ll probably be watching it a third, fourth and fifth time.
And then there was this tweet that really gave me the warm and fuzzies but also the sobering reality of this unprecedented time we’re in. Who knew staying 6 feet apart from people would be a chore. Who knew work from home had its charms when it was something that was optional and not mandatory. Who knew wearing masks every time you had to step out of the house would be part of the norm.
Despite the craziness happening outdoors, it’s always nice to know I can go back to my Austen heroes and cocoon up in my privilege (that I know not everyone is capable of and for that I am grateful) and comfort.
