Little Women

PG-13 2019 Drama · A leisurely 135 minutes that flies by thanks to Gerwig's zippy pacing and non-linear storytelling.
Critic darling
7.8/10
IMDb
95%
Fresh
91
91/100
Metacritic
4.18/5
Letterboxd
🎬
7.9/10
TMDB
Rewatch
warm comfort
Attention
full focus
Phone-check
medium
Ages
holds up

The brief

Greta Gerwig rebuilds Alcott's classic with a non-linear structure that makes the March sisters feel like real people you'd want to hang out with, not museum pieces. Saoirse Ronan brings genuine fire to Jo's writerly ambitions while Florence Pugh absolutely steals every scene as Amy, turning what could be a thankless role into the film's secret weapon. The whole thing buzzes with nervous energy and modern sensibilities without ever feeling forced or anachronistic. Perfect for anyone who loved Lady Bird or thinks period dramas are usually too stuffy and slow.

literary warmth sisterly bonds coming-of-age intimate period piece witty dialogue empowering bittersweet nostalgia

The verdict

If you love character-driven stories with sharp dialogue and stellar performances, this is a beautifully crafted adaptation that makes a classic story feel fresh and immediate. If you're expecting action or have no patience for family drama, the 2+ hour runtime focusing on sisterly relationships and coming-of-age themes will likely test your interest.

Watch with

  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect mother-daughter or sister bonding watch
  • 👥 Ideal cozy night with close friends
  • ⚠️ May bore viewers seeking action or thrills

Heads up

  • Death of a parent (emotional but not graphic) (moderate)
  • Serious illness and death (off-screen) (moderate)
  • Financial hardship and family stress (brief)

Credits

Director
Greta Gerwig
Cast
Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern, Timothée Chalamet, Meryl Streep
Official synopsis

Jo March reflects back and forth on her life, telling the beloved story of the March sisters. A fresh, vibrant

The Double

Make a night of it
Poster for Mary Magdalene

Pair this with Mary Magdalene (2018)

Both feature women finding their voice and identity in patriarchal worlds.

Total runtime: 2h 15m + 2h 00m = 4h 15m

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