Little Women
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Laura Dern, Timothée Chalamet, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh
Directed By: Greta Gerwig
Rated: PG
This is hardly the first time Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel Little Women has made it to the silver screen. The film has been adapted four times, most notably in 1999 with Winona Rider and Christian Bale in the lead roles. The latest adaption has some Hollywood heavyweights at the helm with Greta Gerwig as director and Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Laura Dern, Meryl Streep, and Timothee Chalamet leading the cast. I had sky-high expectations for this film. I love the heart, charm, personality, and drama surrounding Little Women. When I heard Greta Gerwig was directing with this phenomenal cast I was overjoyed at the news. For the most part, this is a moving and lovely adaption of Alcott’s novel. Gerwig adapts the film with heart and feeling that is palpable from scene to scene.
This film has some incredible insight into life as a female. It may take place in the 1800s, but it’s strikingly relevant today. I’m sure everyone can relate to one of (or maybe all!) of these characters. I personally relate to Jo most of the sisters. Her dedication to writing and drive for independence is incredibly empowering. Underneath it all, she fears to be lonely. Even though there is a primary focus on Jo, all of these women have a voice. Amy is the creative artist with a flair for drama. Meg is the kindhearted eldest sister who wants to find love. Beth (Eliza Scanlen with the smallest amount of screen time) is the good-natured soul who wants to help whoever she can. Each sister has a distinct personality that is wonderfully characterized. It’s rare to see so many female characters with so much personality in a movie and that is very much attributed to the greatness of Louisa May Alcott’s novel.
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Saoirse Ronan is a brilliant Jo March. It was the perfect casting decision for her to take on this role. She has unabashed creativity that can't be harnessed. Her writing is the love of her life and she doesn't think any man will ever replace that. Ronan exhibits emotions ranging from giddy optimism to crushing defeat. She has a scene with Laura Dern explaining the struggle of being an independent woman vs. feeling lonely which is absolutely devastating. It's a fantastic display that proves she's one of the best actresses of our generation. From Atonement to Brooklyn to Lady Bird, she will not be stopped.
One of the biggest plotlines throughout Little Women is Laurie’s relationship with the March sisters. What a genius move to cast Timothee Chalamet in the role considering he has chemistry with everyone. Chalamet glows with such an effortless charm that you can’t help but love him. His chemistry with Saoirse Ronan is electric, each of their scenes is even better than the last. A moment between them that takes place on a hill is especially memorable. Chalamet plays up the dynamic of the character insinuating that Laurie is in love with the March family. His need for their camaraderie is the thing that matters the most to him.
I admit that Amy March is not a character I've ever liked. Given the way the story turns and certain behaviors she exhibits, I'm just not fond of her. That being said, Florence Pugh offers a new glimpse into Amy, giving her more depth than I've seen in other adaptions. She gives a very compelling speech to Laurie about women’s choices in life that stick with the viewer. I do wish that a younger version of Amy was cast for the flashback scenes. Pugh does not look younger than Beth at all so the early scenes look like a 20-year-old attempting to play a 10-year-old which seems a bit awkward at times.
Emma Watson is the level headed and kind Meg March who strives for life as a wife and mother. Meg is the family peacemaker who tries to bring a sense of unity to the frequently bickering Jo and Amy. Watson is wonderfully cast as the often-overlooked Meg. I love her quote about each individual having different dreams in life. It is so true and important to remember.
I can’t forget about Laura Dern and Meryl Streep as Marmie and Aunt March. Dern has had many flashy roles this year, notably in Big Little Lies as Renata Klein and Marriage Story. It’s nice to see her in a more subdued performance here that showcases her range. Marmie is a wonderful mother to the girls always showing them the importance of kindness and sisterhood. Meryl Streep has limited screen time, yet always manages to be a scene-stealer.
There is so much that I love about this movie. I adore the screenplay. It has so many brilliant things to say about what it is to be a woman. The performances are brilliant. This cast is truly a marvel. The cinematography is outstanding. From the gorgeous beach scenes to the autumnal vistas, this film looks like a postcard come to life.
However, in one major way, I felt let down by this adaption of Little Women. Gerwig decided to shake things up from the usual storytelling style that we’ve seen so many times and go with a non-linear narrative. Instead of starting the story at the beginning, it starts near the end of the book. It’s jarring for anyone used to the story. Truthfully, the choice left me very surprised and leads to many odd editing choices. In some scenes, it does work to showcase the bright joys of childhood vs. the striking harsh reality of adulthood. In others, it’s just a little messy, especially because the actors never age. I feel that Little Women is a story that needs to be told chronologically. You connect with each character so deeply that way and learn who they are as they grow. Maybe I’m saying this because I hate change. Maybe I’m just too attached to the story the way it is, but I would have given this a perfect score had it not been for the choppy editing.
Oh well, despite my issues with the editing structure, Little Women is a film that has brilliant insight into life as a woman. Every cast member brings their character to life with such vibrant personality. This is a delightful film that deserves your time at the theater.
My Rating: 8/10