Little Women

Little Women is a delight, as it uses the ideas and characters that made the novel great, put together a great ensemble cast allowing each to shine and have personality, and puts touches of nonlinear storytelling and homage to the novel which are the cherry on top. While I didn't love Lady Bird as much as most, Gerwig hit a home run here, adapting the novel impeccably. The ensemble is great, with Ronan and Pugh as absolute standouts who breathe life and empathy into their crucial characters. Pugh in particular made the time changes work, as her voice and character very well represented the transition from adolescent to late-teen Amy. The nonlinear time fits the story very well, as we understand where the girls are going and how the romance plots evolve. It's a truly fantastic adapted script, as it has all the essential moments and feelings of the novel with no filler, and plenty of space for the characters to showcase their personality and flair. The theme of limited female options and marriage being an economic proposition felt especially poignant, but all the ideas feel relevant and present today. This feels like a movie everyone agrees is great but is already beyond public discussion. Gerwig should clearly have gotten into Best Director over Phillips, and I really hope it wins best adapted screenplay. Very glad I read the book before watching it, as Gerwig clearly shows her love and appreciation for Alcott's work.