By: Tanya Chang and Tori Schubert
Culture and Local Editor
Rom-coms always follow a standard story line: two people meet, they face an obstacle, and no matter what, they find their way back to each other. Finding Emily, a new British romantic comedy, highlights a different perspective of a traditional love story through its unexpected storyline, modern take on relationships, and strong connection to the city of Manchester. After gaining popularity in the U.K., the film has now made its way across the Atlantic, giving American audiences the chance to watch this one-of-a-kind love story.
The movie follows Owen, a lovesick sound engineer played by Spike Fearn, who meets a girl named Emily and believes he has found the love of his life. As the night comes to an end, he rushes out to her to get her number, hoping to see her again. However, what seems like the beginning of a true love story turns into a lost connection as he realizes that her phone number is missing a digit. Instead of giving up, Owen gains the help of Emily Raine, a psychology student, portrayed by Angourie Rice. She decides to use his story for her own case study with the idea that love can be a form of temporary madness in her thesis paper. Together, they begin a campus-wide search for the mystery girl, embarking on an unexpected journey, and answering the question of what love really means.
This rom-com was first available in theaters in the U.K., on May 22 and saw prosperous outcomes. Manchester citizens in particular adored Finding Emily due to its accurate portrayal of the city’s lively and romantic personality. The movie quickly earned a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and made about 700 thousand dollars in profit. The creativity and quick-wittedness of the movie made it hard to dislike, with countless film critics praising the themes that directors explored in a modern setting. The film’s grand triumph had Americans eagerly awaiting the U.S. release for months. Upon the movie’s debut in America, it maintained a superb 95% rating.
Straying from typical rom-com tropes, Finding Emily’s carefully crafted storyline curates an unrivaled atmosphere, incorporating distinctive color grading and a deliberate soundtrack, with each scene meticulously detailed and thought out. Additionally, Finding Emily continuously references specific landmarks and destinations, as well as illustrating the irreplaceable roles of nightlife and music within Manchester.
Finding Emily’s shocking success in the U.S. proved to be well warranted, becoming a beloved movie across the world. The producers thoroughly demonstrated their creativity, catering to the citizens of Manchester, providing a broader outlook on the city’s culture, and prompting people to wonder whether or not “love is a state of temporary psychosis.” As Finding Emily makes its way through the theaters, don’t hesitate to buy a ticket.
(Sources: BBC, Express, IMDb).