Another adaptation of Little Women? Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel has been made into a number of movies, and most of them have been highly regarded — by critics, fans, and awards organizations alike. Greta Gerwig’s new version, which just received a standing ovation at a guild screening, is no different. Well, it is apparently different in that it’s a unique take on the material, mostly for the better, according to the first wave of critics’ social reactions to the movie. Still, we can expect the usual Oscar-worthy performances and a generally enjoyable adaptation.
Here’s what critics are saying about Little Women on social media:
It’s lovely.
– Hannah Woodhead, Little White Lies
It’s inventive and wonderful.
– Sean Fennessey, The Ringer
Wonderful. A loving, meticulously-crafted adaptation that exceeded my expectations. Heartfelt, moving and a terrific showcase for its extremely talented cast and beloved source material.
– Kara Warner, People Magazine
Little Women is charming just like the novel/prior versions…Rousing score. Timely as ever. Hard not to cheer.
– Scott Feinberg, Hollywood Reporter
Someone, please, invent a word stronger than “masterpiece” so I can amply describe Greta Gerwig’s Little Women. More-than-a-masterpiece? Masterpiece 2.0?
– David Jenkins, Little White Lies
It rules.
– David Sims, The Atlantic
Jo’s lines in Little Women resonate with me completely differently now as a 33 year old single writer. Wanting to remain independent but wanting to be loved. Greta’s take on the story made me connect with Jo in a way I never had. As a girl, I just thought she was crazy to reject Laurie.
– Amy Kaufman, Los Angeles Times
I’ve seen Little Women twice now and it’s one of my very favorite movies of the year.
– David Canfield, Entertainment Weekly
One of the most pleasurable cinema experiences of my life.
– David Jenkins, Little White Lies
(Photo by Sony Pictures)
Greta Gerwig takes the straightforward story of Little Women and boldly scrambles it, starting two-thirds of the way through and retelling most of what you remember via flashbacks and cross-cutting. Call it Louisa May Alcott meets 21 Grams.
– Kyle Buchanan, New York Times
Little Women has a very strong last third… and a modern interpretation of the novel that shines brightly. I liked her take on it even when it is hard to follow regarding flashbacks.
– Sasha Stone, Awards Daily
Greta Gerwig delivers a both passionately faithful and gorgeously original take.
– David Canfield, Entertainment Weekly
There’s nothing to disparage and many reasons to be pleased with Little Women. Especially, I’m thinking, for those who know the book and have a profound affection for this 19th Century saga about choices, tough terms, romance, heartbreak, love, struggle and artistic aspiration.
– Jeffrey Wells, Hollywood Elsewhere
Each role [is] perfectly cast.
– Scott Feinberg, Hollywood Reporter
Saoirse is a fierce Jo, Chalamet/Dern/Streep especially are great in support, and Florence Pugh is astonishing.
– David Canfield, Entertainment Weekly
Saoirse Ronan and Florence Pugh are the standout performances.
– Gregory Ellwood, The Playlist
Excellent performances from Saoirse Ronan and Florence Pugh.
– Jeffrey Wells, Hollywood Elsewhere
Flo Pugh and Streep are standouts.
– Sasha Stone, Awards Daily
For my money, the MVP in Little Women is Florence Pugh…She’s hilarious and winning as Amy, the character best served by Gerwig’s structural gambits.
– Kyle Buchanan, New York Times
Florence gets a lot of great notes to play as Amy March and she plays each one pretty much perfectly. As we’re seeing over and over again, she has a screen presence and performing instincts that are pretty god damn incredible.
– Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture
(Photo by Sony Pictures)
Timothee Chalamet is the best thing about Little Women. He lights up the screen in every scene he’s in.
– Jazz Tangcay, Awards Daily
Best part of Greta Gerwig’s Little Women is the idea that Louis Garrel as a heartthrob will soon be implanted in mainstream American brains. As he should be.
– Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire
Greta Gerwig, writer/director of the new version of Little Women [got] a standing ovation. And it was well deserved!
– Pete Hammond, Deadline Hollywood
Fervent, top-notch direction by Greta Gerwig; superb lensing and set design.
– Jeffrey Wells, Hollywood Elsewhere
Little Women is charming if not a wee bit long…for such a pretty score it’s overscored? There are moments you just want to hear the girls banter but… nope.
– Gregory Ellwood, The Playlist
At best, it’s a fresh approach that makes you rethink familiar material. But it can also make simple plot and character developments a bit harder to locate.
– Kyle Buchanan, New York Times
I have to say that it didn’t quite grab me as I’d hoped. Flashbacks, curious dream sequences, confusing here and there. Handsome and lusciously authentic, but feels in-and-outish.
– Jeffrey Wells, Hollywood Elsewhere
(Photo by Sony Pictures)
Best Picture nominee… maybe?
– Gregory Ellwood, The Playlsit
The last three Best Picture winners end happily and portrayed the world as ultimately hopeful. Greta Gerwig’s Little Women is the first movie of the year that does just that. So… front runner?
– Sean Fennessey, The Ringer
We’ll see as far as Oscars — nice to have an upbeat option. The 36-year-old actress turned auteur could become the first female two-time best director Oscar nominee.
– Scott Feinberg, Hollywood Reporter
I’m not saying Jo March is Saoirse’s Oscar, but truly her only issue as an actress is that she’s so good & makes her roles look so effortless and genuine and complete that she might fall into the Amy Adams camp of being so simply good it’s like Academy voters take her for granted.
– Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture
An award-season cherry.
– Jeffrey Wells, Hollywood Elsewhere
Little Women is in theaters December 25.
