This was less an adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma than it was an adaptation of 1995’s Clueless. It’s not quite twice removed from the original source because some parts of it do steer back towards the original source with a few of the characters.
I felt Camlin did a great job with the variety of characters, but as with many comic adaptations, I felt that we didn’t get enough time with many of the minor characters. I have a mental block towards Emma most of the time (my least favorite Austen), but I do know it’s her longest novel so I’m a bit like hmmmm there are a lot of details about the many many minor characters.
My favorite part of the adaptation was Miss Bates and Jane Fairfax. Camlin did a great job of creating a unique and interesting story for them that fit within this setting but didn’t make it feel overworked or wedged in. The other minor characters were all well done, even the horrible Mr. Elton who might be the next best adapted character.
Aside from this being more an adaptation of Clueless rather than Emma, the next biggest complaint I have is how short it was. Even though Camlin hit the high points of the novel we didn’t get to spend enough time with any of the characters. Every single interaction between them felt a little bit choppy and a little bit rushed. I’m sure there were limitations in place, but the adaptation could’ve been 50% longer and not felt too long.
I did like the parallels of the Elton and Emma scene in the carriage, the scandalous picnic (post-pride parade group lunch), and the moment of realization between Evan and Davi, all had moments of endearing earnestness. I just wanted more, but not the more that wants me to read it again or think about it in the future, just the base feeling of wanting more because it felt incomplete.
Recommendation: Overall, I enjoyed this adaptation. It did bother me a little bit that it felt more like an adaptation of Clueless rather than Emma, but only for a few minutes. Camlin did an excellent job bringing racial, gender, and sexuality diversity to the page; and the graphics and colors were vibrant without being too overwhelming.
