Little Women - Review

Release Date:  December 25, 2019​​​​​​​​​​

Another Classic

​I really liked Greta Gerwig's last film Lady Bird. It told a relatable coming of age story that resonated with me even though I don't fit that movie's demographic. So when I heard that Gerwig had another film coming out, an adaptation of a book that I'd never heard of—I couldn't wait to see it. As luck would have it, I don't fit the demo for this either as Little Women seems to be a story for young girls. But history seems to have repeated itself as I adore it and can confidently say it's one of the best things I've seen this year.

While sitting in the theater, I was trying to find the right adjective for Little Women. It started with the performances; I didn't want to say Saoirse Ronan was electric because that word sounds too erratic. There was a honed in focus that embodied every aspect of the film. All the performances, the cinematography, and even the score were pitch-perfect as everything molded together. The word I settled upon was 'magic' as it perfectly encapsulates what I saw on screen.​

The quaint and hominess that this movie exudes harkens back to a time of a different sensibility. Halfway through the runtime, you can tell it feels like a classic. Even though the original story came out in 1868, the film brings its message into the 21st century. Without devolving into preaching or propaganda, Little Women is able to balance its fantasy with stark realism. It even injects humor in a way to help release tension while not robbing the plot of its intensity.

​Little Woman utterly surprised me. The attention to detail, the proficiency in its craft, it all screams of a seasoned director. I think Greta Gerwig's knack for emotional literacy and her ability to craft scenes that let the audience experience the complexity of real relationships is unparalleled. While everyone is perfectly cast and there is praise to go around, I cannot stress enough how integral Gerwig was to making it all work. As director and screenwriter, this seems to be a unique vision that could have only come from her. I highly recommend the heartbreaking, funny, touching, and beautiful Little Women.

9/10
Greta Gerwig is officially one of my favorite directors