“Finding Emily,” directed by Alicia MacDonald, follows Owen, a free-spirited musician from Manchester portrayed by Spike Fearn, as he embarks on an unconventional search for a woman who has given him her phone number with one digit missing. The film centers on Owen’s email outreach to every woman named Emily at the university where he works, setting off a series of encounters that blend romantic and psychological themes.

The first Emily Owen connects with is Emily Raine, played by Angourie Rice, an American graduate student studying psychology. Raine views romantic love through a critical lens, describing it as an outdated evolutionary construct, and offers to assist Owen with his quest while gathering material for her dissertation. Despite this intriguing setup, the narrative primarily revolves around Owen’s journey, with the various Emilys serving largely to advance his story rather than developing as fully independent characters.

At a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes and rated PG-13 for language, romantic content, and sexual references, the film struggles to find a consistent tone. Its visual style shifts between broad, distant shots and sudden, close-up moments that appear to force connection rather than naturally convey chemistry between characters. The soundtrack, featuring a mix of Owen’s guitar performances alongside club and house music selections meant to reflect character growth, fails to unify the film’s mood cohesively.

One of the film’s notable strengths is the ensemble of Emilys, who function like a Greek chorus combined with a living social media feed. Their interactions bring attention to contemporary issues such as sexual harassment, toxic masculinity, and the risks of online virality, offering commentary that oscillates between lighthearted and serious.

While “Finding Emily” hints at a more nuanced exploration of romance and vulnerability, the film ultimately adheres closely to conventional romantic comedy patterns. It does not consistently realize the sharper, more innovative storylines it suggests, resulting in a final product that often feels uncertain about its direction.