Finding Emily: A Gen Z Rom-Com Aiming to Modernise the Classic Formula

Working Title’s new romantic comedy *Finding Emily* opens in UK cinemas on 22 May 2026. The story follows indie singer-songwriter Owen, who mistakenly contacts the wrong Emily at a Manchester university and then teams with a psychology student named Emily to locate his intended love interest. Their search triggers a campus-wide email to all 318 students named Emily, turning Owen into an online meme.

The Guardian

The film is produced by Working Title, the studio behind *Bridget Jones’s Diary*. Alicia MacDonald directs from a screenplay by Rachel Hirons. Lead roles are played by Spike Fearn (Owen) and Angourie Rice (the psychology-student Emily). The Guardian review also names Sadie Soverall as an undergraduate Emily, creating a casting discrepancy. Supporting actor Prasanna Puwanarajah appears as Emily’s professor. MacDonald co-wrote an original song for the film.

The Guardian

After Owen posts posters seeking his Emily, a tip leads him to a lecture hall where the psychology student offers help. She suggests emailing every student named Emily; Owen inadvertently sends the message to all 318, forming an email group that fuels online commentary. Social-media users label Owen “email guy” and generate hashtags such as #ratboysummer. The psychology student frames Owen as data for a thesis on love as temporary insanity.

The Guardian

The Guardian notes the film’s charm mirrors classic rom-coms but points to uneven comic timing in some performances. It questions whether Owen’s behavior could be read as “creepy virgin incel,” while acknowledging the overall “impossible to hate” quality. Visual parallels to Liam Gallagher and Taylor Swift are also highlighted.

The Guardian

MacDonald said she examined every classic rom-com trope to ensure relevance for Gen Z viewers and chose Rice because she embodied the character’s confidence and curiosity. Fearn explained that learning guitar and singing for the role expanded his performance skills and added authenticity to Owen’s musician persona. Rice described her own relocation to Manchester as mirroring her character’s adjustment to a new city.

Spike Fearn, Angourie Rice & Alicia MacDonald on Finding Emily

• “He is just data,” — Emily, psychology student, *Finding Emily*

The Guardian

• “It’s like Ed Sheeran on Crimewatch,” — Social-media commentator, *Finding Emily*

The Guardian

• “the coolest thing” — Alicia MacDonald, director, interview

Spike Fearn, Angourie Rice & Alicia MacDonald on Finding Emily

• “email guy” — Online meme label for Owen, *Finding Emily*

The Guardian

The Guardian identifies Sadie Soverall as portraying an undergraduate Emily, whereas the interview with the film’s leads lists Angourie Rice as the sole actress playing Emily. No source clarifies whether both actresses appear in distinct roles or if the credit is erroneous.

The Guardian

*Finding Emily* attempts to refresh the romantic-comedy formula for a Gen Z audience, integrating meme culture and campus social-media dynamics, as described by the director and reviewers.

The Guardian

The film will debut across UK theaters on 22 May 2026, after which box-office performance and audience metrics will indicate the commercial viability of Gen Z-focused rom-coms.

The Guardian