Finding Emily: Trailer, Cast, Story, and Release Date

A wrong number. A campus-wide chase. And a love story no one saw coming.

Romantic comedies often begin with coincidence. Finding Emily begins with a mistake.

In cinemas May 22, 2026, this British comedy-romance follows a lovesick musician who dials what he believes is the number of his dream girl — only to discover he’s been given the wrong contact. What starts as confusion turns into a campus-wide mission to track down the mysterious “Emily,” sparking chaos, chemistry, and unexpected connection along the way.

What Is Finding Emily About?

At the heart of the story is a musician hopelessly fixated on a girl he barely knows. When he realizes he’s been given the wrong number, instead of walking away, he doubles down.

To help him find the real Emily, he teams up with a driven psychology student — someone far more analytical and focused than he is impulsive. Together, they launch an increasingly elaborate search across campus, drawing in friends, rivals, and bystanders into what becomes a comedic frenzy.

But as the search intensifies, so does the emotional complication. The more time they spend chasing someone else, the harder it becomes to ignore what’s happening between them.

The question shifts from “Where is Emily?” to “Who should he really be looking at?”

Angourie Rice and Spike Fearn Lead the Romance

Angourie Rice stars alongside Spike Fearn, anchoring the film’s central dynamic. Their pairing suggests a blend of wit and vulnerability — a contrast between dreamy romanticism and grounded realism.

Rice brings a reputation for emotionally intelligent performances, while Fearn’s screen presence hints at a character torn between fantasy and maturity. Their chemistry appears central to the film’s success.

The ensemble cast includes Minnie Driver, alongside a wide-ranging supporting lineup that expands the university setting into a lively, lived-in world.

A Working Title Romantic Comedy

Produced by Working Title Films, the studio behind many modern British rom-com successes, Finding Emily fits comfortably within the tradition of charming, character-driven love stories.

Directed by Alicia MacDonald and written by Rachel Hirons, the film leans into sharp dialogue and situational humor rather than exaggerated slapstick. The campus setting provides both intimacy and scale — allowing for personal moments and chaotic set pieces.

Themes Beyond the Chase

While the premise revolves around mistaken identity, the emotional core centers on ambition and expectation.

The musician is chasing a fantasy. The psychology student is grounded in reality. As they move through lecture halls, dorm rooms, and crowded campus events, both are forced to confront what they truly want — from love and from themselves.

The film explores:

• Idealized romance versus authentic connection

• Youthful ambition and creative uncertainty

• The tension between spontaneity and structure

The search for Emily becomes symbolic — less about one person and more about emotional clarity.

Release Date and Where to Watch

Finding Emily releases in cinemas on May 22, 2026. It will be distributed in the United States by Focus Features and internationally by Universal Pictures.

The exclusive theatrical release positions it as a summer romantic comedy event, aimed at date-night audiences and young adults alike.

Why Finding Emily Could Be a 2026 Rom-Com Standout

In a genre that often leans on predictable beats, Finding Emily appears to embrace a playful premise without losing emotional sincerity.

The mistaken number sets the story in motion, but the heart of the film lies in what develops during the search. The trailer suggests a tone that is light without being shallow, humorous without undercutting feeling.

Sometimes the wrong number leads to the right person.