Little Women was fantastic.
Greta Gerwig continues to be one of the best writers in film, penning and directing this remake of the classic tale by Louisa May Alcott that radiates charm from minute one. The entire cast is excellent, but Timothée Chalamet and Saoirse Ronan are particularly electric together.
This film manages to toe the line of “safe” film-making and yet Gerwig’s personal touches can be felt throughout with some of the whimsy of previous works like Frances Ha peeking through. The film reads like poetry, the characters more person than fiction, the emotions felt not just shown. The entire film is unabashedly, refreshingly, overflowing with heart. Sometimes it's painful, sometimes it's joyful, but it's always beautiful.
The films ability to effortlessly weave together different moments in time without confusing the audience is mesmerizing. This allows for nuanced storytelling that deepens our connection to the characters. The costume design is exceptional, utilizing a full palette, particularly when defining the March sisters with their own distinctive colors. The on location shooting really adds to the authentic feel of the film with a distinctly New England backdrop for the family home, all of it captured splendidly by the cinematographer.
This is no stuffy Victorian tale, this film is full of life, a thoroughly inspiring, exciting story from beginning to end. If you’ve never experienced the tale of Little Women, now would be the time. Easily one of the best films of 2019.
10/10 I like good strong words that mean something.