Finding Emily is a 2026 British romantic comedy directed by Alicia MacDonald in her feature directorial debut and written by Rachel Hirons.
The film stars Spike Fearn, Angourie Rice, Sadie Soverall, Minnie Driver, and Nadia Parkes. Produced by Working Title Films alongside Parkville Pictures and Focus Features, the movie follows a hopelessly romantic university sound engineer who desperately searches for a mysterious girl he met during a late-night party after losing her phone number.
His chaotic search quickly spirals into campus-wide gossip, viral attention, and an unexpected emotional connection with another student helping him along the way.
The film released in Australia on May 21, 2026, and in the United Kingdom on May 22, 2026, with a United States release scheduled for August 28, 2026.
Finding Emily Age Rating
Finding Emily is rated 12A by the BBFC for moderate sex references, drug references, and infrequent strong language. The film contains romantic comedy themes aimed at older teens and adults, with occasional crude humor, mature conversations, drinking scenes, and some emotional themes involving relationships and mental health. While the movie remains lighthearted for most of its runtime, parents should expect British-style adult humor, profanity, references to sexuality, and scenes involving intoxicated university students.
Violence & Peril
Violence is generally mild throughout the movie. There is some brief pushing and shoving during an argument, but no graphic injuries or prolonged threats. One scene shows a woman with a small bloody cut on her lip following an accident. Emotional tension appears during misunderstandings involving accusations of harassment, though the situations are handled in a comedic and non-threatening manner. Some viewers may also find the film’s flashing club lights uncomfortable, especially those sensitive to photosensitive epilepsy.
Language
The film contains infrequent strong language and a steady amount of moderate profanity. Partial use of “motherf**k” appears in a song, alongside implied strong language like “WTF.” Other insults and profanity include “twat,” “prick,” “shit,” “arsehole,” “bloody,” and “piss.” Milder language such as “hell,” “God,” and “Christ” also appears regularly. Crude jokes and rude gestures, including the middle finger, are present in several comedic scenes.
Mature Themes
Moderate sexual references occur throughout the film, including jokes about virginity, masturbation, and anatomy. There are brief comic references to voyeurism and inappropriate behavior, though nothing explicit is shown onscreen. One scene includes a woman bathing, but nudity remains concealed. Characters drink heavily at parties and clubs, and there are verbal references to cannabis, cocaine, and drug dealing, though drug use is not depicted visually. The movie also includes emotional themes involving heartbreak, mental health struggles, bereavement, and family separation. Some comedic misunderstandings involve accusations of harassment, but these are clarified as false within the story.
Is Finding Emily Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The movie is not designed for younger viewers. Strong language, sexual jokes, alcohol-related scenes, and mature university humor make it inappropriate for most preteens.
Ages 13–15: With Guidance. Older young teens may enjoy the romantic comedy storyline and emotional themes, but parents should be aware of the moderate profanity and sexual references. Some scenes involving drunken behavior and crude humor may also feel too mature for sensitive viewers.
Ages 16+: Yes. Most older teens should comfortably handle the movie’s content. The film focuses more on emotional relationships, awkward humor, and romantic misunderstandings than explicit material. Mature teens familiar with British romantic comedies will likely find it entertaining and relatable.
Overall, Finding Emily is best suited for viewers ages 14 and older, with parental guidance recommended for younger teens.
What Parents Can Do
- Discuss how romantic obsession and social media attention can affect privacy and emotional boundaries.
- Prepare teens for the film’s British humor, including crude jokes and frequent profanity.
- Use the movie’s themes to talk about healthy relationships, emotional vulnerability, and online behavior.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Finding Emily?
A: Finding Emily is rated 12A by the BBFC for moderate sex references, drug references, and infrequent strong language.
Q: Is Finding Emily appropriate for kids?
A: No. The movie is aimed at older teens and adults due to mature humor, profanity, and sexual references.
Q: Does Finding Emily contain violence or scary scenes?
A: Violence is mild and limited to brief arguments and minor accidental injury. The film is more comedic and emotional than frightening.
Q: Does the movie contain strong language?
A: Yes. The film includes moderate profanity and infrequent strong language, including partial use of stronger words.
Q: Is there sexual content in Finding Emily?
A: There is no explicit sexual activity or nudity, but the movie contains frequent sexual jokes and references.
Where can you watch Finding Emily?
A: The film is currently playing in theaters internationally and will be released in US theaters through Focus Features on August 28, 2026.