LITTLE WOMEN

What is the secret to taking a beloved classic story that practically everyone knows, a tale that has previously been turned into a motion picture five times and that has been adapted for television at least ten more times, and telling it in a way that is fresh and innovative? The answer is a simple one… you let Greta Gerwig write an updated screenplay and then let her direct a feature film based on her screenplay!

Little Women was written by Louisa May Alcott and first published in 1868. It tells the story of the March sisters (Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth) as they transition from childhood to womanhood. They reside in their childhood home in Massachusetts during the timeframe of the American Civil War. Their father is away serving as a chaplain in the Union Army. As the story opens, the four sisters are living in their childhood home with their mother, Marmee. When word arrives that their father has contracted pneumonia, Marmee heads off to Washington DC to nurse him back to health. The four little women are now left to their own devices to take care of each other while also determining their fates and futures.

In Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation, the sisters are portrayed by Saoirse Ronan(Jo), Emma Watson (Meg), Florence Pugh (Amy), and Eliza Scanlen (Beth). Each actress is absolutely wonderful, and the relationships between the sisters are complex and fully fleshed out. Mother Marmee is portrayed by Laura Dern, and the girl’s crusty and wealthy Aunt March is portrayed by Meryl Streep. The film captures the era perfectly and the period costumes are simply divine (Best Costume Design would be the film’s one Oscar win).

Huge praise is due to Gerwig for her ability to update the story in ways that resonate with a modern audience. She deftly cut the story into a non-linear one, bouncing back and forth between time periods. And her clever twist on the film’s conclusion was both interesting and satisfying. No spoilers! This movie was a wonderful example of great storytelling, superb acting, and top-notch directing. Despite my familiarity with the story and having seen other versions on-screen, this film was a class act and well worth the viewing.