Let’s start with two bits of full disclosure. One, I’ve never read Little Women, so can’t say if this is a good adaptation. Two, I love watching Saoirse Ronan on screen, so I am likely to be biased!
With that said, what can go wrong if you take a classic and loved novel, have a talented director and writer in Greta Gerwig put it on screen with a dream cast of the finest talent, it can only be good can’t it?
Well no, because it is much better than that. Gerwig’s adaptation of Little Women is wonderful, full of energy, humour, warmth and heart.
The story follows the life of the March sisters, four very different women trying to make their way in the world, the writer, the artist, the shy and the contented one each brought to life brilliantly with excellent central performances and with the title of the film it’s no surprise the strongest roles are the women.
This is built around the usual wonderful Saoirse Ronan performance and is supported by the rising star that is Florence Pugh, alongside equally strong performances from Emma Watson and Eliza Scanlan, each lighting up the screen while they are on it. But the entire cast are equally good which makes this world such a joy to spend time in.
I don’t think Little Women puts a foot wrong and brings to the screen a story that has everything you need from humor to emotion that engaged and involved me in each of it’s 135 minutes.
I’m sure someone somewhere will hate this, but can’t imagine why, a charming film from start to finish and I’m pretty sure there will be a nomination or two heading its way when the award season starts.
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