Emma.

As Miss Taylor trades her governess title for Mrs. Weston (Gemma Whelan), Emma Woodhouse (Anya Taylor-Joy) embarks on a mission to find a new confidante, settling on Harriet Smith (Mia Goth), a young woman whose unknown parentage and modest education belie her inherent charm. Emma's paternal instincts are piqued when she learns that Mr. Robert Martin (Connor Swindells), a tenant farmer connected to her brother-in-law, Mr. Knightley (Oliver Chris), has proposed to Harriet. Despite claiming to eschew interference, Emma subtly manipulates Harriet into rejecting Robert's offer, much to the latter's distress. Meanwhile, Emma is convinced that Mr. Elton (Josh O'Connor), the local vicar, harbors a secret crush on Harriet and encourages her to redirect her affections towards him.

Mr. Knightley, however, is none too pleased with the influence Emma wields over Harriet. Having previously encouraged Robert's proposal, he is incensed when he discovers that Emma has succeeded in dissuading Harriet from accepting it. He cautions Emma against attempting to orchestrate a union between Harriet and Elton, aware that the vicar would never deign to marry someone of Harriet's social standing. Furthermore, Knightley knows that Emma secretly pines for Frank Churchill, Mr. Weston's eldest son, whom he regards as a cad.

As Christmas approaches, Emma's older sister Isabella (Chloe Pirrie) and her brother-in-law George (Johnny Flynn), Knightley's younger sibling, arrive to spend the festive season with their family. Following dinner at the Westons', the family departs earlier than expected, leaving Emma to make her way home alone in a carriage with Mr. Elton. It is here that he reveals his ardent love for her, only to be rebuffed and subsequently disappear for six weeks before reappearing with a wife by his side. Emma is then faced with the unpleasant task of breaking the news to Harriet: Elton's affections were never genuinely hers to claim.

As the festive season subsides, two highly anticipated guests from Emma's social sphere arrive, casting a spotlight on her insecurities. The arrival of Jane Fairfax (Amber Anderson), the governess niece of Mrs. Bates, sets off alarm bells as Emma becomes increasingly envious of this multi-talented newcomer who effortlessly commands attention. Meanwhile, Frank Churchill (Callum Turner), the charming offspring of Mr. Weston's first marriage, makes his appearance, leaving Emma smitten and breathless. The Westons' subsequent decision to host a grand ball serves only to amplify the drama, as Emma finds herself torn between her fascination with Frank and her growing awareness of Mr. Knightley's (character) quiet devotion.

As the evening unfolds, Mr. Elton's condescending rebuff of Harriet Smith sparks outrage, prompting Mr. Knightley to intervene with a chivalrous dance invitation that sends Harriet's heart soaring. Emma herself finds herself swept up in a whirlwind romance as she and Mr. Knightley take to the floor, their mutual attraction simmering just below the surface. However, her departure before he can express his sentiments is followed by an unexpected encounter at her doorstep, where Frank Churchill's timely rescue of Harriet from gypsy assailants sets off a chain reaction that sees Emma convinced she's falling for Frank.

In the days that follow, Emma finds herself torn between her desire to facilitate a romance between Harriet and Frank, while simultaneously attempting to rekindle a connection with Mr. Knightley – only to be met with indifference at every turn. The pressure cooker of unrequited love is palpable as Emma's efforts to manipulate circumstances on behalf of her friend ultimately backfire, leaving her feeling isolated and humiliated.

As the social fabric begins to unravel, Frank Churchill takes matters into his own hands, orchestrating a game to lift Emma's spirits during a group picnic. However, Emma's thoughtless jibe at Miss Bates (Miranda Hart) serves only to alienate their entire social circle, prompting Mr. Knightley to deliver a stinging rebuke that leaves her reeling.

In the aftermath of this public embarrassment, Emma seeks redemption by visiting Miss Bates and offering a heartfelt apology – which is promptly accepted without condition. Meanwhile, Frank Churchill's long-awaited liberation from his aunt's grasp finally arrives, revealing the truth about his secret engagement to Jane Fairfax and his subsequent plans to marry her once she's free.

As the news spreads like wildfire through the social sphere, Emma finds herself more concerned with Harriet's sudden realization that she's in love with Mr. Knightley – a development that ultimately forces Emma to confront her own true feelings for him. The cat is well and truly out of the bag as Emma's world begins to crumble beneath her feet, revealing a tangled web of romantic entanglements that threaten to upend her carefully constructed social hierarchy.

As Mr. Knightley arrives at Emma's doorstep, his eyes burning with sincerity, he tenderly conveys his ardent feelings for her, extending an offer of matrimony that leaves her initially elated. However, as the reality of Harriet's potential distress begins to sink in, a crimson trickle announces Emma's emotional turmoil, and she becomes beset by the weight of her meddling. Seizing the opportunity to right one final wrong, Emma pays a visit to Mr. Martin, presenting him with a heartfelt portrait she has created herself - a symbol of her desire to make amends.

Meanwhile, Harriet seeks out Emma, beaming with joy as she shares the news of her acceptance of Mr. Martin's proposal and the surprising revelation that her long-estranged father has finally emerged from the shadows. To Emma's delight, Harriet's father turns out to be a humble tradesman, his galoshes-making craft a far cry from the genteel expectations she had harbored. Emma extends warm congratulations and invites the newly engaged couple to share a festive gathering at her home.

Despite being deeply in love with Mr. Knightley, Emma's thoughts are consumed by the prospect of leaving her father alone, her heart heavy with the weight of responsibility. In a gesture of selfless devotion, Mr. Knightley proposes a compromise: rather than abandoning her father's household, he will join it, uniting their lives under one roof. Emma's happiness is rekindled as she agrees to this union, and the two lovers prepare to embark on a new chapter in their life together.