A New Take on an Old Story
Greta Gerwig’s Little Women adapts Louisa May Alcott’s novel for the screen. With a stacked cast including Saoirse Ronan, Timothee Chalamet, Laura Dern, and Meryl Streep, the acting is compelling and believable, drawing the audience into the lives of Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy. Set against various Massachusetts backdrops, each shot delivers a stunning atmosphere to set the story against. Surpassing the excellent performances and gorgeous scenery is Greta Gerwig’s writing and directing. Telling the story in a way that slips between the past and present, Gerwig masterfully keeps the audience involved while providing context from each character’s history. In addition to the talent she demonstrates in her adapted screenplay, Gerwig is also an exceptional director. Each shot felt framed perfectly and logically, building the aesthetic of the film while not being overly elaborate. Little Women encompasses themes of love, money, loss, and family in a simplistic and loving way. The relationships are strong and flawed, allowing everyone to find their place in Greta Gerwig’s masterpiece.