"Little Women" is a Significant and Modern Reimagining of the Classic Novel

Plot Synopsis courtesy of IMDb.com: “Four sisters come of age in America in the aftermath of the Civil War.”

Written and Directed by: Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird)

Starring: Saoirse Ronan (Hanna), Emma Watson (The Perks of Being a Wallflower), Florence Pugh (The Falling), Eliza Scanlen (Sharp Objects) and Timothée Chalamet (Call Me By Your Name)

Music by: Alexandre Desplat (The King’s Speech)

Cinematography by: Yorick Le Saux (Personal Shopper)

Little Women is rated PG.

Since it’s original publication in 1868 and 1869, Little Women has seen it’s fair share of adaptations - on the stage as well as on the big and small screens. According to Oprah Magazine, Greta Gerwig’s 2019 film adaptation is the 14th retelling of this story. Previous adaptations include feature films, television series, stage plays and even a Japanese anime version released overseas in 1987. If you are inclined to brush this latest reimagining of a classic novel aside though, think again, because Gerwig breathes new life into Little Women by capturing the essence of what made the original great while making the story relevant and significant to the modern audience.

Little Women still follows the exploits of sisters Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy March as they search for their own place in the world.  The film opens with Jo (Saoirse Ronan) attempting to sell the stories she has written to the editor of the Weekly Volcano, Mr. Dashwood.  Dashwood finally offers to purchase the story for five dollars less than the going rate, before telling Jo that if the main character in her next story is a girl, to “make sure she is married by the end.”  

From here, the film jumps back seven years in time to find the younger March sisters living together at home, warmly quipping about the inconveniences of being poor, and their future prospects in life.  Although the story remains primarily unchanged from the source material, Little Women regularly jumps back and forth in time, juxtaposing the sisters’ youth with their adulthood.  Despite the potential confusion, Gerwig’s restructuring of the plot creates a natural relationship between the characters and their younger selves, forcing the reconciliation of childhood dreams with harsh realities.

All four women are portrayed by the same actors throughout their lives which results in a broad range of personalities displayed in each.  This is especially true with Amy (Florence Pugh), who as the youngest, is tasked with being both childish early on and more refined later in life.  Pugh is transformative in this role, expressing youthful exuberance in one scene and ponderous obligation in the next.

Timothée Chalamet plays Teddy Laurence, or Laurie, the privileged boy who lives in the house next to the March’s.  Walking a fine line between absolute pomposity and absolute charm, Chalamet is perfect as the frequent romantic interest of the March sisters.  Even in his greatest moments of asininity, Chalamet’s wily smile and knowing delivery make it difficult to find Laurie unendearing. The chemistry between Laurie and Jo is the driving force behind the emotional progression of the story and would not be the same with any two equally talented actors.

Portions of the dialogue were pulled directly from the original novel, but it never seems the least bit stuffy or outdated.  Gerwig has imbued this script with such vitality you almost forget the film is set over 150 years ago. It has a quality so uncharacteristic of period pieces that can only be described as fun.  There is a joyous energy about the entire film that makes Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy more like lifelong friends than names pulled from the pages of a book.  In the same way Laurie wants to be included as part of the fun, I found myself more than content to be privileged enough to participate in the companionship and camaraderie of the March sisters - if only as an outsider.

Some stories can grow old after the second or third retelling, but Little Women has discovered something universal.  It simultaneously addresses the greatest injustices, while lingering on the simplest of beauties.  It is miraculously ageless yet timely. Just as Alcott did with the original, Gerwig has shown that she has something important to say, and has executed her vision flawlessly.  

Reel Rating: 9/10

Little Women is now playing in cinemas.