Little Women (2019)
(Columbia Pictures)
By Lucas Allen
Each Oscar season, there’s bound to be a potential nominee based on a beloved property that’ll certainly get a lot of attention. Here we have a new adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel “Little Women,” which had numerous versions on film, TV and stage over the years. The new take is written and directed by Greta Gerwig, who previously earned awards attention for her original film “Lady Bird.”
The story starts in the late 1860s/early 1870s, when free-spirit writer Jo March (Saoirse Ronan) is struggling to get her work published, while her younger sister Amy (Florence Pugh) is in Europe with their Aunt March (Meryl Streep) focusing on painting. When Jo gets news about her stricken younger sister Beth (Eliza Scanlen), she returns to her childhood home in Massachusetts to be with her older sister Meg (Emma Watson) and their mother Marmee (Laura Dern).
The film also flashes back to the early 1860s, when the March clan is to make life better on their own while the patriarch Mr. March (Bob Odenkirk) is in service with the Union Army. During that time, the four sisters face the tribulations of growing up into womanhood, especially finding love. Their next-door neighbor Laurie (Timothee Chalamet), the grandson of the widowed Mr. Laurence (Chris Cooper), becomes a big part of their lives, like having a brother they never had. But throughout the film, the spotlight is on Jo and her growing courage and desire to stand out among all others. The events that happened in the past and present will inspire her to reignite her passion for writing.
It seems that with each generation, there’s a version of the story that helps continue its timeless resonance with audiences. To put it simply, this film brings a fresh, new feel to the classic tale that certainly appeals to the current generation. The themes of family, love, and death remain present while the addition of one’s right to be free from society adds to the excellent storytelling. Overall, this new version will likely be enjoyed by everyone no matter if they’ve read the book or not.
Unlike the more straightforward adaptations, this movie treats the story differently by jumping back and forth between the March family’s Civil War years and the post-war present time. It helps add to the film’s fresher look plus it makes the pivotal moment from the book feel more dramatic. The movie also keeps a nice balance between drama and humor without feeling overly sappy. The production design and costume work are well-done and both seem poise to get plenty of recognition at the Oscars ceremony. Overall, you’ll be incredibly moved by the story and the great work behind the scenes.
Each of the main actors offer some moments of astounding acting, giving the story the best push it could possibly have. The combining talents of Ronan, Pugh and Watson help each scene have a personality and dramatic importance. Some of the supporting work like Dern, Chalamet and Cooper bring a kind necessity to their characters. Especially in a small role, Streep still finds a way to bring her magnificence and professionalism to her small number of scenes.
There will be some people who shudder at the idea of another film version of a story that’s been done to death, but this new “Little Women” will surprise and move everybody, including the cynical crowd. It might’ve been the perfect Christmas gift for the film audience in 2019, but it’s surely a great experience in 2020 and beyond. Bring the whole family, and you may be in for a fantastic time.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: PG (for thematic elements and brief smoking)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 4 Stars (Out of Four)
