A period drama film adaptation of a beloved book is currently streaming on Netflix, and fans have branded it 'utterly captivating'. The film, directed by Greta Gerwig, is a star-studded 2019 adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's 1868 novel Little Women. It features an ensemble cast including Saoirse Ronan as Jo March, Emma Watson as Meg March, Florence Pugh as Amy March, and Eliza Scanlen as Beth March, alongside legends like Meryl Streep and Laura Dern, and actors Timothée Chalamet, Tracy Letts, Bob Odenkirk, James Norton, Louis Garrel, and Chris Cooper.
Why It's Perfect for Period Drama Fans
The film has been praised as a 'joyous celebration of family and girlhood', making it ideal for fans of the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice or the BBC series The Other Bennet Sister. Following the March sisters from childhood to womanhood, the movie explores their trials and tribulations with warmth and depth.
Critical Acclaim
Little Women has amassed a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have heaped praise on the writing, directing, and acting. One critic noted: 'By investing Gerwig's audience in the internal lives of major and minor characters with equal compassion and dexterity, it’s almost impossible to not find some facet of Little Women to fall in love with.' Another said: 'Every adaptation of Little Women has something that sets it apart, but few have the sheer emotion and power that we see here with Gerwig’s interpretation.'
A third critic described it as 'a joyous and sensitive celebration of family, girlhood, and the resilience of women', while a fourth called it 'a touching, time-hopping, tour de force of storytelling and filmmaking craft, with a playful, feminist twist.' One viewer shared: 'Greta Gerwig recreates such a highly engrossing, winsome adaptation of Little Women you can’t help but be taken with it. It’s utterly captivating.'
What Sets This Adaptation Apart
Gerwig's version stands out for its emotional depth and feminist perspective. As one critic put it: 'It has all the cosiness and warmth one expects from this sort of nostalgic period drama, while also capturing the revolutionary spirit of Alcott's novel.' Even those hesitant due to previous adaptations were won over. One person admitted: 'I didn’t want to like it because I loved the previous one. It took some getting used to, but I thought it was great.' Another added: 'Went in with moderate expectations; this was clearly the best adaptation.'
Little Women is available to stream on Netflix now.
