Finding Emily (2026)

The critic is charmed by this bright and truly funny reinvention of the British romcom, crediting the debut director's inspired comedy direction and ability to wring laughs from authentic characters. They single out the sweet message about youthful connections for praise.

The review calls the Manchester-set story a sweet, spirited romcom with verve and intelligence about the madness of love. It singles out the director’s lively handling, the smart script, the city locations and the lead actor’s charisma.

The critic praises the film for making a well-worn romcom genre feel fresh and vital through its sharply written characters and a standout unselfconscious performance. They highlight the peppy direction that embraces social media and memes.

The critic hails the return of the British rom-com, noting it commits to genre traditions without being derivative and features an endearing hopeless romantic hero. They praise the reworking of classic romcom elements with aplomb.

The critic finds Alicia MacDonald’s film a charming and heartfelt Gen Z romcom that explores the ‘what if?’ of romance going too far. It is praised for its leads’ chemistry, grand gestures, one-liners, soundtrack and authentic capture of young people.

The critic finds it a warm, mostly funny British romcom that celebrates and tweaks the old template with winsome turns from the leads. They single out the direction's vibrant, music-filled Mancunian take on Rye Lane and the chemistry between Rice and Fearn for praise.

The critic finds the gen Z campus romcom warm-hearted and impossible to hate despite some cheesiness and uneven performances. They single out the gentle send-up of campus culture wars and social media pile-ons for praise.

Director Alicia MacDonald’s film is both smarter and sweeter than expected, identifying Gen Z sexual politics while knowing when grand romantic gestures still work, delivering a fresh, funny British charmer anchored by delightful lead performances.

The film struggles with identity as a rom-com, featuring regressive elements that mock feminist reactions while not developing characters or chemistry enough to root for the leads.

This Gen Z rom-com shows flashes of wit and invention but ultimately leans too heavily on the traditional formula it seems poised to subvert, fumbling toward an inevitable conclusion.

Elevated by charming performances and Working Title pedigree, the film has a wonky charisma but feels insufficiently peppy and propulsive, making for a diverting but not fully sweeping British rom-com.

The critic finds the rom-com unconvincing due to its handling of toxic behavior and lack of charm or chemistry between leads, despite some sweet moments. It criticizes the film's defensive stance on rom-com tropes as cynical.

The critic praises the film's charming, anti-cynical take on the rom-com genre with likable leads and a strong Manchester setting. The final act feels formulaic and contrived.

The critic finds it a charming, sincere modern rom-com with great chemistry between leads and a warm, nostalgic feel. It highlights the soundtrack and sincerity over cynicism.