Emma.

If nothing else this was one of the most stylish Jane Austen adaptation, but that was about all it had going for it. Then again, the period in its title should have clued us in that this Autumn de Wilde adaptation would be more style over substance. The costumes were the real star of this film and if still remains in the conversation at year-end, it might get a nomination for Best Costume Design. Anya Taylor-Joy and Austen's prose were a tied-second. The former had large, expressive eyes and wore the period fashion beautifully, while the latter's prose made the film came alive although there was a strong discordant with the rest of the screenplay by acclaimed novelist Eleanor Catton which unfortunately seemed clunky and inelegant next to Austen's rhythmic monologues.

De Wilde told the story aptly and succinctly, but other than gorgeous costumes and sumptuous production designs, she did not elicit anything new from the source novel that has not already been done. Consequently, this iteration might appeal more to newer audience who are unfamiliar with the novel or the previous films.

Taylor-Joy portrayed Emma with bright-eyed confidence and it was not difficult to imagine that her Emma was as Austen described: clever, handsome and rich. However, she seemed to lack the inherent wit that characterised Austen's heroines and which was so wonderfully personified by the likes of Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet and Keira Knightley.

The boys, played by Johnny Flynn and Callum Turner, appeared to match, physically at least, with Taylor-Joy and the period itself, but neither had the flair or charisma to light up the screen or ignite genuine chemistry with Taylor-Joy.

Bill Nighy was hilarious and he and Josh O'Connor got the best laughs with their physical comedy.

Also getting some laughs were the mostly-silent manservants and maids.

Cinematography was by Christopher Blauvelt who did a great job with a lot of the indoor scenes; music was by Isobel Waller-Bridge (sister of Phoebe) and David Schweitzer, and it was time-period appropriate but also not entirely memorable.

Emma. was a beautiful film that offered little to seasoned movie-goers and Janeites, however it will be a good, simple introduction to Austen's works and the beauty of her language.