The Wasteland Reviewer

Finding Emily (2026) Written Review

How far would you go to find someone you made a connection with? There are plenty of unfortunate stories of losing a phone number someone has left you or the number being provided incorrectly. That is the unfortunate situation that Spike Fearn’s Owen finds himself in when he meets a wonderful young woman named “Emily” one fateful night. Unfortunately, she missed a digit, putting her number in his phone and the helpless romantic in Owen takes over. But fatefully, his search brings him into the path of romance cynic and thesis student Emily (Angourie Rice) who takes him under her wing to help (but for her own selfish research motivations). What could go wrong?

Does Rachel Hirons’ script make the most of this intriguing premise? Finding Emily turns out to be quite the rich thematic experience that takes a pointed look at modern romance. Owen makes some bold choices to find “Emily” including making fliers, joining a podcast, and (with some help from Rice’s Emily) sends out a blanket email to all Emily’s at this school. The discourse in the community becomes stalker versus romantic making Owen the subject of serious judgment as well as worship. No matter the side, Hirons’ writing captures the toxicity and damage that this can take on this young man’s life as well as the original “Emily’s”. The way that Finding Emily navigates social media’s impact on modern courting is quite effective and the film captures many modern behaviors in an authentic way including the incessant need to turn any situation into a “movement”. Outside of romance and courting, the film navigates cultural and class divides well especially with Owen’s more modest financial background which makes him an easier target for this backlash. The progress of Owen and Rice’s Emily’s connection feels believable, giving the film a solid romantic foundation. The friendships in the film feel quite impactful, especially the one between Rice’s Emily and her best friend Anna (Cora Kirk). Owen’s dynamic with his older brother and his partner (Jack Rddiford and Isabella Laughland) is a rich element of the film and honestly the heart of it. The film certainly heads on a familiar and predictable path while resolving its climactic conflict a little too easily but there is enough charm in the film to make it work.

Speaking of…how does director Alicia MacDonald make the most from behind the camera? Starting with some of the slightly weaker elements, the pace is a little off in this film. The film is near a two-hour runtime which is not entirely justified. There are some moments that stretch on a little more and the pacing drags at points where the film could have moved a bit faster. This is certainly not a deal breaker, but it is noticeable enough while watching. Tonally, the film has a nice balance of authentic humor with the more serious elements that affect the characters. This is a fun film, but it does not get in the way of Finding Emily having some real poignancy. The film has a distinct voice that works well that captures a more modern view of romance while still injecting a retro feel through music needle drops and homages to 80s teen romances. The British approach to humor and bluntness gives the film a more impactful atmosphere which feels refreshing when navigating such a story. There is competent filmmaking all around with some sharp editing that brings this film to life so well. 

How does this cast fair with such a rich story? Fearn gets his first opportunity to take center stage and he does not disappoint. He brings a commitment and authenticity to this young man from “the other side of the tracks” who is a brilliant balance of humor and emotion. Rice is charming throughout the film even when she is committing some serious unethical acts throughout this process. Sadie Soverall doesn’t get a ton of screen time as “Emily” but she makes an impact which is important for the whole purpose of this story. Minni Driver is the biggest name in the film but don’t get too excited as she is quite underutilized. Riddiford and Laughland have great chemistry together as well as their own unique and poignant chemistry with Fearn. Kirk brings energy and presence to this best friend character of Anna, making her one of the biggest standouts of the film. Even Prasanna Puwanarajah, Rice’s Emily’s professor, leaves an impact with his arrogant and elitist presence in the film.

Is Finding Emily a nice late August surprise in the romantic comedy genre? We don’t get a ton of romantic comedies in theaters anymore, but Finding Emily is certainly the type you wish you could see more of. Few romantic comedies in recent memory explore such timely and relatable themes as MacDonald’s new film does and never with such deft hands. Fearn and Rice turn out to be quite the dynamite pairing along with all the great supporting work around them. Finding Emily will hopefully find its audience to close out this summer of 2026.