Little Women Review
Everyone finds different films relatable, because every person on this planet has lived a different life, experienced different hardships, and been put in different situations. But there are few films out there that can be as relatable to so many people as Little Women.
From wanting to be a woman that’s independent enough not to need another companion — romantic or not — to rely on, but at the same time feeling loneliness. To being in a marriage with the love of your life, but that life being financially more difficult than everyone around you. To having to watch the person you’re in love with fall head over heels for your family member or friend. But after all of that, the lesson this film manages to teach, is just how lucky you are to have your health and be able to experience life in a way many are unable to do so.
The moral of the story may be the real star of this movie, but the actors come a very close second. Saoirse Ronan (Jo) and Florence Pugh (Amy) create such a strong bond on screen that most sisters would watch with embarrassed smiles on their faces, having memories of their worst fights and most emotional reunions come flooding back. It’s also worth noting that while Emma Watson (Meg) and Eliza Scanlen (Beth) play their parts endearingly and convincingly, Laura Dern’s portrayal of Marmee makes for one of the most likeable characters to ever grace the big screen.
The difference in each of these stand-out women characters, however, proves that there isn’t just one version of a feminist or a strong woman. In fact, every woman on Earth can be their own version of themselves, without feeling like they aren’t valid.
Although the majority of the film is centred around the mother and her four daughters, the casting of Timothee Chalamet as Laurie is interesting, and tells its own story. We’re so used to seeing one type of man as the love interest in period dramas. Essentially, they’re all just another version of Colin Firth’s Mr Darcy. But this shows a playful, quirky, and arguably more feminine version of this character-type. Simply put, it works, and makes the character far more intriguing.
There is a twist at the end that has been added to bring the story into the 21st century. Essentially, it allows you to decide how you’d like the story to come to an end. Although, it’s pretty obvious how director, Greta Gerwig saw the ending to be.
It’s heart-warming, while also heart-breaking. It’s relatable, down-to-Earth and humble, while proving itself as a stand-out film. It’s a sweet movie, but it has the wow factor. How Gerwig hasn’t received an Oscar nomination for best director is quite simply mind-boggling.
Hannah Parker
