LITTLE WOMEN
****
Dir: Greta Gerwig (PG, 135 mins)
Greta Gerwig cements her skills as a filmmaker after the excellent Ladybird with this original take on Louisa May Alcott’s classic tale of sisterhood. Little Women has been adapted several times before, and this well-trodden tale needs a clear vision to wring something new from the source material. Luckily Gerwig is such a talent, playing with themes and timelines with a powerhouse cast. Saoirse Ronan stars as Jo March, Alcott’s alter ego – a ferociously independent young woman out to write a novel based on her life in the aftermath of the American Civil War. She believes women are more than just chattel to be married off but finds herself romantically entwined with Timothée Chalamet’s Laurie. The other March sisters are played with aplomb by Emma Watson (the more traditional Meg), Florence Pugh (social climber Amy) and Eliza Scanlen (sensitive pianist Beth). All are excellent, as are Meryl Streep and Laura Dern as the adults trying to shape the young girls’ lives. Highly relevant in its gender politics, vibrant and moving, this is a Little Women for 2019.
Opens Dec 26
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