There's never been a more delicious, playful, and downright horny adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma as Autumn De Wild's take on the classic piece of literature. Emma. (with a period) takes the already-sunny Austen classic and adds floodlights, resulting in an overwhelmingly joyous but still acutely thoughtful take on the story of meddling matchmaker Emma Woodhouse (Anya Taylor-Joy) and her tight-knit Highbury community. The film's particular joy, aside from the colorful costumes and warm soundtrack, rests on the casting.
Casting director Jessica Ronane seems to have handpicked pretty much every up-and-coming British actor you've already had your eyes on, and rounded it out with a handful of national treasures, like Bill Nighy and Miranda Hart. A number of the cast comes straight from Netflix, hailing from shows like Sex Education, Lovesick, and The Crown. They sing, they dance, and one even shows his butt. What's not to love?
Ahead, meet all the British baes appearing in Emma.
Anya Taylor-Joy as Emma Woodhouse
Taylor-Joy is best known for her roles in creepy, horror-adjacent films like The Witch and Split, which is perhaps why her version of Emma Woodhouse is so endearingly cutting. She's sharp-eyed and quick-witted, and behind that smile would happily burn Highbury to the ground if it meant getting her way.
Johnny Flynn as George Knightley
The Lovesick actor lends his folk music roots to Emma., appearing on two songs on the soundtrack in addition to playing the romantic lead. He also recently starred in TV series Genius and Vanity Fair.
Josh O'Connor as Mr. Elton
There could not be a character more different from The Crown's Prince Charles, O'Connor's most recent role, than his take on Mr. Elton. In this film, he's a laughable, pompous doink whose crow-like mannerisms onscreen will make your belly laugh and your skin crawl.
Mia Goth as Harriet Smith
Goth, who is a model as well as an actress, manages to convincingly play the role of a somewhat dowdy misfit in her biggest transformation yet. Taken under Emma's wing, Harriet matched up with all the wrong suitors, especially when her real match has been waiting for her all along.
Billy Nighy as Mr. Woodhouse
Nighy has starred in so many beloved English films from Love Actually to Shaun Of The Dead to The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel that his involvement alone in Emma. guarantees it to be an instant classic. He plays Emma's father, the nervous Mr. Woodhouse, who spends his days by the fire and fretting about the health and futures of his family.
Miranda Hart as Miss Bates
Miranda Hart had her own show, Miranda, before going on to star in Call The Midwife. Her self-deprecating, sometimes slapstick comedy makes her the perfect fit for Miss Bates, the increasingly-irritating but ultimately good-hearted neighbor who wants to know if you've heard the latest update on niece Jane Fairfax (Amber Anderson).
Gemma Whelan as Mrs. Weston
The Game Of Thrones star gets a much less tumultuous storyline as Emma's governess, Mrs. Weston. Emma set her up with her new husband, Mr. Weston (Rupert Graves), and their marriage is ultimately to blame for the hubris that follows.
Tanya Reynolds as Mrs. Elton
Sex Education star Tanya Reynolds is given an equally perplexing hairstyle in her role as Mrs. Elton. Her appearance halfway through the film shakes up Highbury, and, to be honest, is also exactly what Mr. Elton has coming.
Callum Turner as Frank Churchill
This Fantastic Beasts hunk perfectly embodies the scoundrel that is Frank Churchill. The much-whispered-about character finally arrives in Highbury only to lead Emma on and drop her like a hat.
Amber Anderson as Jane Fairfax
Speaking of being whispered about, Amber Anderson plays the orphaned niece of Miss Bates, Jane Fairfax. She finally graces Highbury with a visit after much fanfare and stirs up jealousy in our protagonist.
Connor Swindells as Mr. Martin
Another Sex Education alum, Connor Swindells, plays Harriet's loyal and patient suitor, Mr. Martin.
Rupert Graves as Mr. Weston
Finally, we have Mr. Weston, the scoundrel who whisked Mrs. Weston away from the Woodhouses into a life of domestic bliss. How dare he!