Anya Taylor-Joy stars in a scene from the movie "Emma." The Catholic News Service classification is A-III -- adults. (CNS/Focus Features)

By Catholic News Service

Delightful screen version of Jane Austen’s classic novel in which the young British gentlewoman of the title (Anya Taylor-Joy) tries her hand at matchmaking on behalf of a fortuneless friend (Mia Goth) while flirting with a visitor (Callum Turner) to her small country town and repeatedly locking horns with an old friend (Johnny Flynn).

Director Autumn de Wilde’s feature debut captures perfectly Austen’s droll insights into human nature, from the medical paranoia of Emma’s father (Bill Nighy), with his perpetual fear of drafts, to the good-hearted dullness of a trivialities-spouting neighbor (Miranda Hart). Only the momentary introduction of a bit of visual earthiness, presumably meant to balance off the overall painterly elegance of the picture, need give parents pause. Possibly acceptable for older teens.

Fleeting rear male and partial female nudity in a nonsexual contest, an illegitimacy theme, one mild oath. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

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