The following review was made possible by Popped attending a press screening of Finding Emily
Disclaimer: there are multiple Emilys in this film.
Directed by Alicia MacDonald and written by Rachel Hirons, Finding Emily tells the story of a young man (Spike Fearn) who believes he has found love at first sight with a young woman on campus. But when he’s given her phone number with a missing digit, he does whatever he can to find her. This leads to a campus-wide search for the “Emily” who captured his heart that night.
During his search, he meets a different Emily, played by Angourie Rice, who decides to help him track her down. Manchester is a wonderful setting for this story, as is the university backdrop, which isn’t a backdrop we see a lot. It’s something that feels especially refreshing for a British romcom.
Spike Fearn and Angourie Rice Make a Perfect Romcom Pair
Finding Emily is a romantic comedy that is genuinely funny and genuinely charming. Spike Fearn will make a lot of hearts swoon with his portrayal of Owen. He brings such a sweet British charisma to the role that you find yourself falling for him multiple times throughout the film. Fearn is a natural, perfectly portraying a confident yet lovesick young man. What he does especially well is the perfect balance of Owen’s cheekiness with his vulnerability.
Angourie Rice brilliantly complements Fearn, playing the American psychology student who so desperately wants to prove herself. The chemistry between our two leads shines. Spike Fearn and Angourie Rice are a gem on screen together, producing all the fuzzy feelings you want from your two romcom leads. Hirons’ clever writing allows the main characters the space to exist as fully realised people with their own backstories.
The film begins at a slower pace, but really finds its rhythm as the story progresses. However, the second act does feel slightly overlong and could have benefited from being slightly trimmed down.
A Film Full of Heart
While the story mainly centres around Owen and Emily, particularly Owen, it’s elevated by a fun supporting cast, with Kyle (Anthony J. Abraham) being a standout thanks to his great one-liners. Even characters who only appear briefly leave an impression. Whether it’s the podcast hosts or the students leading protests, each side character plays a memorable part in the film. The characters feel real, flawed, and authentic. The screenplay is packed with contemporary Gen Z language, but it never slips into cringiness; it fits naturally within the film’s tone.
The film also explores ideas surrounding modern dating, particularly how men approach women and how they deal with rejection. One question raised throughout the story is whether Owen was intentionally given the wrong number as a subtle form of rejection, and whether his search for Emily reflects a man struggling to accept that rejection. These themes are handled in a purposefully over-the-top and comedic way, which perfectly suits the tone and style of the film.
‘Finding Emily’ – Final Thoughts
Finding Emily has all the classic romcom tropes, but ultimately, it’s a film that leaves you feeling warm, with the biggest smile on your face. A contemporary British romcom that would make the perfect film night watch with friends.
Finding Emily releases in cinemas on Friday May 22. Check out the trailer below:
The Review
Finding Emily
Finding Emily has all the classic romcom tropes, but ultimately, it’s a film that leaves you feeling warm, with the biggest smile on your face. A contemporary British romcom that would make the perfect film night watch with friends.
