The classic coming-of-age story has been adapted again in Little Women, the latest from writer/director Greta Gerwig.
You may remember the tale of Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, the sisters growing up in the 1860s. Each have their own ambitions and desires, but it’s Jo’s stubborn refusal to adhere to a woman’s role that takes center stage. Louisa May Alcott’s book has spawned a number of film adaptations and continues to be popular to this day, meaning a straight adaptation wouldn’t be enough to make this film stand out. And so Gerwig has been clear that she’s playing a bit with the layout here, jumping back and forth through time to more fully explore the book’s timeless themes.
Everyone is eagerly awaiting Gerwig’s sophomore effort after the sublime Lady Bird. The actress-turned-writer/director took no time breaking through, landing just the fifth Best Director Oscar nomination for a woman with her feature debut. Perhaps that’s why she felt confident enough to take on such a beloved and well-trod story, or, you know, she could just know that she has the skills to pull it off.
She’s reunited with her Lady Bird star Saoirse Ronan, who you should be excited to see in any film because she’s a straight up acting god. The rest of the March sisters bring just as much star power, with Emma Watson, Florence Pugh (what a year she’s having), and Eliza Scanlen rounding out the foursome. Joining them as family, friends, or suitors are Timothée Chalamet, Laura Dern, Meryl Streep, and a bevy of other big names I’m too exhausted to list.
Look, do you really need me to pitch this? It’s Gerwig. It’s Ronan. It’s Little Women. Go see it.
Little Women is directed by Greta Gerwig and stars Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, and Eliza Scanlen. It will be released in the US on December 25th, 2019 and in the UK on December 26th, 2019. For international release dates, click here.
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