An "utterly captivating" period drama currently streaming on Netflix has earned widespread acclaim for its "joyous celebration of family and girlhood", making it perfect viewing for fans of classics such as the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice or the BBC series The Other Bennet Sister.
With countless films and television programmes to select from across numerous streaming platforms, Netflix offers everything from jaw-dropping mysteries and cherished comedies to gripping crime dramas, action-filled adventures and much more besides.
For viewers yearning for their next period drama fix, Greta Gerwig's star-studded 2019 film adaptation of the cherished 1868 Louisa May Alcott novel Little Women might just be the perfect choice.
A Star-Studded Cast and Timeless Story
The timeless book has seen numerous adaptations over the years, with Gerwig's take on the lives of the celebrated March sisters marking the seventh cinematic version. It features Saoirse Ronan as Jo March, Emma Watson as Meg March, Florence Pugh as Amy March and Eliza Scanlen as Beth March.
The cast also includes the legendary Meryl Streep and Laura Dern, alongside Timothée Chalamet, Tracy Letts, Bob Odenkirk, James Norton, Louis Garrel and Chris Cooper. Following the book's narrative, the film charts the March sisters' journey from childhood through to adulthood, capturing the trials and tribulations they encounter along the way.
Critical Acclaim and Rave Reviews
It has achieved an impressive 95% rating on popular review-aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, with critics and film enthusiasts alike lavishing praise on the writing, direction and acting performances.
One critic wrote: "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 - if not the whole film outright."
Another claimed Gerwig's interpretation of the novel distinguishes itself from previous adaptations: "Every adaptation of Little Women has something that sets it apart from others but few have the sheer emotion and power that we see here with Gerwig's interpretation. Gerwig uncovers secret layers to the plot that lesser filmmakers would have not noticed."
A third said: "Greta Gerwig's interpretation of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel Little Women is a joyous and sensitive celebration of family, girlhood, and the resilience of women."
While a fourth agreed: "Little Women is a touching, time-hopping, tour de force of storytelling and filmmaking craft, with a playful, feminist twist."
Another said: "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."
Someone else noted: "A gorgeous and very warm film.... What makes this version impressive is that it brings a different perspective without losing the magic of the novel."
Reflecting this sentiment, one critic said: "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."
Winning Over Skeptical Viewers
Some viewers were hesitant to watch it, given their fondness for earlier film versions of the beloved novel. One viewer said: "I didn't want to like it... because I loved the previous one. It took some getting used to a few things, but I thought it was great - very well done!"
While another added: "Went in with moderate to mediocre expectations as we have seen this story many times. This was clearly the best adaptation."
Little Women is currently available to stream on Netflix.
