If I had a nickel for every time Saoirse Ronan and Timothée Chalamet graced the screen in the same film, I would have three nickels — which is not a lot, but it may cover the cost of a ticket to see Little Women again, and that’s all I really need.
Even though The French Dispatch and Lady Bird are certified cinematic masterpieces, I believe Ronan and Chalamet’s chemistry shines brighter in Little Women, where director Greta Gerwig decided to bring them back together once again to break everyone’s heart. After all, who else could make unrequited love appear so beautiful?
During its two hours and fourteen minute run, Little Women sweeps us through a decade-long period during the mid-1800s, as we watch the March sisters grow from childhood into adulthood while expressing their love for different types of art.
The main character, Jo March, played by Ronan, is a passionate and independent writer who does not have the desire to get married because, hello, she has novels to write. Meg (Emma Watson) is the eldest sister, and unlike Jo, she wants to find a husband and live a traditional life (but she also has a flair for theatre). We also have the sweet and timid sister Beth (Eliza Scanlen), who prefers using her time to play the piano, while the outgoing and rather short-tempered Amy (Florence Pugh) longs for a life in high society, while also being an incredible painter.
While we follow the ups and downs of the four girls living with their mother, Marmee (Laura Dern), we also see their relationships with their wealthy neighbours flourish, especially with Laurie Lawrence. Played by Chalamet, this charismatic but impulsive boy has a hard time putting logic over his feelings, and has a propensity to spout things like, "Jo, I'm in love with you!" and then propose to someone else only five minutes later.
But why is Little Women such a quintessential holiday feature? Thanks for asking! Well, it’s basically an ad for Christmas disguised as an Oscar-nominated masterpiece. The movie, based on a book of the same name by Louisa May Alcott, goes through these ten years while showing a variety of seasons, but I think it puts a special emphasis on Christmastime and the important moments that happen around this period.
For example, the spirit of compassion throughout the holidays can be seen in the sisters' generosity when they donate their Christmas supper to the even poorer family that Marmee deeply cares for. When the family finally sees Mr. March, their father who was fighting in the Civil War, we appreciate that the second Christmas Day celebrated in the film feels hopeful.
You don’t need to be a costume drama fan to adore Little Women. Yes, it snagged the Oscar for Best Costume Design (deserved), but it’s more than just pretty dresses and petticoats. With a unique storytelling approach that revitalizes the well-loved story, the film's colour scheme alternates between cool, muted hues for the March sisters' adult hardships and warm, golden tones for their happy childhood, producing a tender contrast that reflects their touching journeys. It’s like an emotional mood ring, and honestly, it works perfectly.
Though oxymoronic, Gerwig’s authentic yet contemporary script makes sure the story seems equally timely and timeless, because the lives, personalities and dreams of the sisters can be related to anyone at any time. Meg saying “Just because my dreams are different than yours doesn’t mean they’re unimportant”? I mean, come on.
This isn’t just a story about the March sisters. Gerwig’s adaptation of Alcott’s novel highlights the social and economic limitations that women faced in the 19th century. Amy's realistic perspectives on marriage and Jo's challenges as a writer strike a strong chord, making their decisions pertinent to any girl in our contemporary world. Amy’s “marriage is an economic proposition” speech to Laurie should be taught in ECON 101.
So if you were looking for a sign to watch Little Women for the first time or rewatch it for the millionth time (like me), here it is.
Grab a warm blanket, a cup of hot chocolate, some gingerbread and light a fire in your living room (or just a candle in your dorm) and use this movie to warm you up, because it’s the film equivalent of what it feels like to wear comfy socks in the cold. You could even go do a Buzzfeed quiz to find out which March sister you are — just kidding, I know you already have.
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