Finding Emily Review
A movie out of a simpler time almost. Nevertheless, Finding Emily finds a lot to love with this sweet, funny rom-com.
Owen (Spike Fearn) is finally getting back on his feet a year on from his mother’s death. He’s working as a sound engineer at the University pub, when he has a brief, glorious connection with a girl called Emily (Sadie Soverall). She gives him her number and he texts the next day - only to discover that there is a digit missing. Now Owen must find Emily in any way he can. He enlists the help of another Emily at the university (Angourie Rice), who unbeknownst to him is using him as the subject of her social sciences paper.
Finding Emily is the sort of unencumbered, good natured rom-com that it feels like they don’t make anymore. Sure, there’s the trappings of the modern day to this film - a podcast, TikTok reaction videos, etc. - but the vast majority of this movie feels like it could have been ripped from the early 2000s. And honestly? We’re here for it.
Spike Fearn is a revelation as the delightfully innocent Owen, and his mix of Beatles-looking muso, sad-boi, and lovestruck naivety play in a perfect combination; all accented by his Manchurian brogue. It’s a breakout performance, and Fearn earns every minute on screen. The cohort of other British supporting characters are also very fun, and across the board well acted. The only downer is Angourie Rice as Emily Raine. Maybe it’s the American accent in the sea of Brits, but there’s something about Rice’s performance that makes her character a little grating.
Nevertheless, director Alicia MacDonald breezes through this film with a light touch and a genuine penchant for both the comic, and the romantic. It’s funny in spades, but also quite lovely in equal doses. And while anyone who has ever seen a rom-com can pick every twist and turn a mile off, there is something so sweet and innocent about this film that you can’t help but watch it with a huge smile on your face.
