Little Women Review: a Timeless Family Drama

Eliza Scanlen (Beth), Saoirse Ronan (Jo), Emma Watson (Meg) & Florence Pugh (Amy) in the film.

I came to know about this film when my tutor played it during one of the lectures. It was for a module about film adaptations of books and that’s how I knew this film was based on a really popular 1868 book of the same name by Louisa May Alcott. It’s also crucial to note that this isn’t the first film adaptation of the text.

Little Women is a film that will stay with me for a long time. I didn’t read up much about the film before watching it. The trailer was all that I saw. I knew I wouldn’t miss it in the cinemas when I learnt about the immaculate cast this film boasts. Other than the fact that this film is fraught with talented actors, the film’s message is also something very relevant in 2020. It’s rather surprising that something written in the 19th century is still relevant today. It may be Gerwig’s vision that made it so. From my knowledge, this version of the film definitely differs from the text and I’m actually glad it did. Gerwig pulls of a beautiful costume drama.

The film is told through Jo’s (the second sister) perspective. Grewig’s previous muse in Lady Bird, Saoirse Ronan. All the sisters (Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Saoirse Ronan and Eliza Scanlen) were perfect for their roles. I loved Pugh’s Amy and of course Rohan’s Jo! I can’t emphasise how important each of the girls’ stories are to explain what feminism means. I love the line Emma Watson’s character says in the trailer, “Just because my dreams are different from yours doesn’t mean they’re unimportant.”

Just this line should convince you to watch the film. It’s a story about sisterhood, dreams, family, sacrifices and most importantly love in all forms.

Meryl Streep has a hilarious role in the film. Timothée Chalamet as the charming Laurie was a character I grew to love because I felt he was just a little too young (in terms of looks & styling) for the role. My personal favourite in the film and in multiple family dramas I have watched so far is Laura Dern. She makes her character as the girls’ mother so lovable. You can’t hate her even when you want to. I’d say give that woman her Golden Globes...NOW.

Laura Dern as Marmee/Mother in the film.

Overall this film is a piece of work that is self-aware of its genre and the era its being produced in. I’m just a little unsettled about the ending in the film because there’s kind of an alternative ending but there isn’t much closure in one of them. Other than that, it’s film that you’d want to watch (in the theatres!!!!!) with a pack of tissues. Can’t think of a better way to start the decade & this year in the movies ✨🥳

Little Women (2019) releases in Singapore on 16 January 2020 only in GV cinemas. The film released on 26 December 2019 in the UK.

Trailer: https://youtu.be/AST2-4db4ic