Alicia MacDonald’s feature directorial debut, "Finding Emily," premiered in theaters on Friday, offering a fresh take on the romantic comedy genre by centering on the experiences and sensibilities of Generation Z. Produced by Working Title Films, a company known for hits like "Notting Hill" and "Bridget Jones’s Diary," the film intentionally embraces its contemporary setting rather than striving for timelessness.

The story follows Owen, played by Spike Fearn, whose pursuit of love involves a series of comedic missteps. After a chance encounter at a college bar, Owen asks Emily for her number, only to later discover the number is missing a digit. His search for Emily leads him to cross paths with another character named Emily, a psychology student with ambiguous intentions, setting the stage for a narrative that explores modern romance through humor and awkwardness.

MacDonald emphasized that the film’s humor and approach to gender politics were crafted to resonate with a specific generational perspective, aiming for authenticity in capturing the way young people navigate relationships today. Crucially, the director insisted on casting actors who were the same age as their characters, with both Fearn and co-star Harlem Rice aged 23 during filming. MacDonald cited the example of "10 Things I Hate About You," noting that the youthful age of its actors contributed to the movie’s genuine feel and enduring appeal.

Throughout production, the cast played an active role beyond acting, serving as informal consultants to ensure the dialogue and reactions reflected real Gen Z attitudes and vernacular. MacDonald, 41, frequently sought their input on whether certain lines felt credible, and she often kept the camera rolling during scenes to capture spontaneous moments. Both Fearn and Rice noted that several improvised segments made it into the final cut, adding to the film’s naturalistic tone.

Fearn, who described his portrayal of Owen as reminiscent of cringe comedy found in British series such as "The Office," said the character’s awkwardness lingered with him well beyond filming. Meanwhile, Rice, who plays the titular Emily, found that inhabiting her role loosened her own spontaneity, even drawing on the set’s downtime for tarot readings and lighthearted interactions.

The cast’s chemistry and the film’s candid portrayal of Gen Z relationships aim to offer audiences a relatable and humorous glimpse into contemporary romance. As Fearn put it, watching "Finding Emily" feels much like the experience of making it—unpolished, genuine, and full of awkward charm.