The seventh and latest film adaptation of the classic novel Little
Women by Louisa May Alcott was released on Christmas Day, Dec. 25,
2019, in theaters across the
United States. With a star-studded cast, including Meryl Streep,
Timothée Chalamet, Saoirse Ronan, and Emma Watson, it was
destined to be a blockbuster. The film
received two Golden Globe nominations, one for Best Actress in a
Motion Picture – Drama for Saoirse Ronan, and another for Best
Original Score by Alexandre Desplat. It
earned a 95 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics loved how the
director, Greta Gerwig, fused the novel’s classic historical elements with
modern themes. Gerwig also was awarded Best Director for “Little
Women” by the National Society of Film Critics.
“I can’t wait to see this movie because the reviews have been
fantastic, and I have heard about how talented Greta Gerwig is,” said
sophomore Melanie Genzano.
The film delves into the lives of the four March sisters growing up
in Massachusetts in the 1860s, during the Civil War. Jo, played by
Saoirse Ronan, is the rebellious sister of the group who challenges
gender roles and expectations
placed on women by society. Jo’s character, along with her sisters,
raised the themes of love, marriage, and money. While women were
expected to marry during this era, Jo
openly feared being stifled by it. Gerwig preserves Jo’s fierce
independence by allowing her to publish her book and marry Bhaer on
her own terms at the end of the film.
“I admired Jo’s strong-willed personality and ability to voice her
opinions no matter what, she is a great role model,” said sophomore
Nicole Bonavitacola.

Gerwig intentionally unravels the storyline in an out of order

fashion to emphasize particular themes. Many viewers were
disappointed that they were exposed to spoilers early on in the movie,
not realizing that this was all part of Gerwig’s unique delivery.
“Many people found it surprising that later scenes of the story were positioned at the very beginning
of the film,”
said sophomore Avery Miller.

Flashbacks, contrasting the past to the present and juxtaposing
dramatic scenes were all tools Gerwig used in her film adaptation. By
positioning Meg’s marriage scene directly following Beth’s death,

Gerwig highlights the idea that marriage could be as dark as death for a
woman during this era. Gerwig moves back and forth in time throughout
the film, unveiling the characters’ journeys and keeping the
viewers engaged.
Talented costume designer Jacqueline Durran dressed the
impressive cast. With excruciating precision and meticulous attention to
detail, she selected fabrics, colors,
and styles. Every aspect of the costumes were era-specific and visually
stunning.

“The costumes were done beautifully! They fit the historical age

perfectly!” said junior Avery Silfin.

Fans of the 1994 film version of Little Women, can be assured
that as they step into the theater to view Gerwig’s creation, it was a
labor of love. The 2019 film adaptation
includes all the familiar themes of sisterhood, love, and marriage
delivered by a gifted group of actors. Gerwig’s modern voice is heard
and reflected through the rich
characters she hand-picked. Greta Gerwig whispers the vital message
that women should never lose hope and strive to fulfill their dreams
according to their own unique
terms throughout this film.