Review: Little Women

PLOT: A retelling of the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott, about the coming of age of four sisters searching for love and companionship during the aftermath of the Civil War.

REVIEW: Greta Gerwig had an impressive acting career well before she earned raves for her smart and vivacious feature film LADY BIRD. This coming of age tale revealed an assured filmmakers’ voice, and earned Ms. Gerwig well deserved praise. However, a couple of quirky indies’ including one about a teenage girl and her complicated relationships isn’t necessarily a guarantee for a great follow up. Thankfully, for her third feature film directorial project – she also co-directed NIGHTS AND WEEKENDS with Joe Swanberg in 2008 – Greta is proving to be an impressively sublime storyteller. Her latest is a rich and delightful retelling of the classic novel written by Louisa May Alcott, LITTLE WOMEN. Thankfully, she has perfectly captured the charm and the essence of this timeless tale, one that is likely to still resonate with a modern audience.

This is the story of the March sisters, a close knit family that includes Jo (Saoirse Ronan), Meg (Emma Watson), Amy (Florence Pugh) and young Beth (Eliza Scanlen). With their father (Bob Odenkirk) miles away serving as a pastor deaing with the aftermath of the Civil War, their mother Marmee (Laura Dern) is left home to care for her daughters, with both Meg and Jo helping out by working a series of jobs. Jo helps care for their wealthy, great Aunt March (Meryl Streep), and Meg teaching a local family. This story follows the girls from their teenage years to adulthood where they each discover a very different path. Jo hopes to be a writer. Meg finds a loving husband, yet they are plagued by financial burden. Rebellious Amy wants to be an artist, but discovers that it may not be the road she is intended for. And Beth, a talented musician, becomes quite ill after taking care of a poor family whose children are all sick. Their story is made known thanks to Jo, who is convinced to write a novel about her and her sisters lives.

Gerwig has created something truly special here. Perhaps it starts with the performances. Considering she was also a huge reason that LADY BIRD worked as well as it did, Ronan is the perfect choice to play Jo. Her strong willed temperament as she is attempting to have her writing published is more than a little inspiring. The actress continues to prove what an indelible force she tends to leave with every role she takes on. Her Jo is fiercely independent, yet she clearly loves her sisters and the family that surrounds her. As well, she once again co-stars with Timothée Chalamet, who portrays a would be suitor to Jo – a wealthy prospect named Laurie. The two continue to bring a fitting chemistry to their on-screen relationship. In fact, one of the most lively scenes in the film is when the two decide to dance at a party, but they do so by their own rules.

As well, the rest of the cast is quite terrific. Pugh, who has had quite an impressive year with this, FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY and MIDSOMMAR, is simply wonderful. The young actress brings a fire with her portrayal of Amy as she constantly fights with Jo, yet clearly adores her older sister. For Beth, Ms. Scanlen gives a resoundingly sweet portrait of a sensitive young girl who adores music. And then there is Emma Watson as Meg. The actress is terrific as a young woman who has a romanticized view of what its like to fall in love, only to realize that the realities of life can be far more cruel and heartbreaking. And with yet another stand out performance this year, Laura Dern – Golden Globe nominee for A MARRIAGE STORY – shines as a mother to the four girls, one who tries her best to be strong while her husband is off on a mission of good will, one which he may never return. The family dynamic here is beautifully realized, and it makes their story far more effective.

With heart and humor, Gerwig brings a sense of grace and style to this classic tale. Along with cinematographer Yorick Le Saux, the two have created an impressive production that captures the spirit of the original work with ease. The costumes and the set design all come together to display a richly crafted and beautifully explored production, one that is even more exceptional considering how this is only Ms. Gerwig's third film. This is gorgeous feature with characters that are rich and fascinating, while even the supporting players feel fully fleshed out and add to the proceedings especially well. This is a brilliant follow up to LADY BIRD, one that feels just as relevant and compelling as any modern take on young women finding their way in the world.

Greta Gerwig continues to prove what a talented and capable filmmaker she has become with this delightful take on the classic LITTLE WOMEN. Filled with excellent performances from the entire cast – especially Ronan, Watson, Pugh, Scanlen and Dern – the writer and director has created a near flawless take that feels especially relevant. The score by Alexandre Desplat fits the mood nicely, adding yet another level to this inspired take. A period piece such as this can be difficult to make accessible to modern audiences, however, Gerwig presents the March sisters by finding a balance between this marvelous cast and a script that conveys their struggles and romantic notions in a surprisingly contemporary way. Even if this isn't your type of story, there is so very much to admire in this lush, humorous and heartbreaking story of family, career and love.