I have a confession. I have never seen or read “Little Women.” Period stories rarely connect with me. The pacing and portrayal of female characters often frustrate me. But Greta Gerwig and her killer cast, not to mention the opportunity to attend a free screening, convinced me to give one a try.
“Little Women” follows the life and adventures of the four March sisters — Meg (Emma Watson), Jo (Saoirse Ronan), Beth (Eliza Scanlen), and Amy (Florence Pugh), along with their neighbor Theodore “Laurie” Laurence (Timothee Chalamet) during the Civil War. It’s a story that’s become a timeless staple in American literature. “Little Women” is celebrated because its heroines are modern women, shockingly so for their time. They have wants, needs and desires, and are not afraid to speak up. They’re each fully fleshed out and vastly different types of people. It’s clearly the reason that this story has resonated with audiences for hundreds of years.
Any concern of a stale or dull film went out the door with Gerwig at the helm. “Little Women” is the follow up to her directorial debut “Lady Bird,” a poignant and sharp indie about a young woman coming of age. She tells the same story with “Little Women.” Gerwig finds humor and heartbreak in small, unexpected moments. As her previous film shows, Gerwig is interested in telling the stories of complex and flawed people. And she knows how to get the right kind of performance out of her cast to put that on display.
“Gerwig’s decision to jump between the two timelines laid out chronologically in the book sometimes confuse the pacing of the film. But Gerwig’s whimsical take on this classic coming-of-age tale is simply enchanting.”
It’s because of that skill that “Little Women’s” biggest strength is its cast. There are three performances in particular that stand out. Anyone paying attention to the film world these days knows that Florence Pugh is a young star quickly on the rise. She plays the youngest March sister Amy. For years, I’ve heard that Amy is a bratty and deeply unlikeable character. Amy does have her share of tantrums, but Pugh approaches the character with a refreshing amount of honesty, wit, and charm that is irresistible.
Ronan and Chalamet are perfectly cast in their respective roles. Ronan brings Jo March’s ferocious passion to life. Jo’s heartache, laughter, and everything in between practically ricochet off the screen. Chalamet plays Laurie’s boyish charm to ease so naturally that it’s like the role was written for him. The duo’s electric and fervent chemistry is hot enough to burn a house down.
“Little Women” is by no means a perfect film. Gerwig’s decision to jump between the two timelines laid out chronologically in the book sometimes confuse the pacing of the film. But Gerwig’s whimsical take on this classic coming-of-age tale is simply enchanting.
