As someone who loves films about girlhood, coming of age, and family this is a film that ticked all my boxes and made me appreciate this lovely little story even more. With numerous adaptations, Greta Gerwig’s most recent 2019 edition is without a doubt my favourite. Gerwig’s emphasis on female empowerment (it being one of the main themes of the film), making it an iconic feminist film for women of today. Although Greta Gerwig wasn’t the first director in mind to direct this film (Sarah Polley originally being hired) she was hired as director and screenwriter in 2018.

Part of the reason Little Women holds such a special place in my heart is the continuous showcasing of female empowerment as a theme, it is a central theme and present throughout the whole film. Jo March’s (played by Saoirse Roan) ambition is prime example of this, her desire to become a writer and her resistance to conforming to societal norms of the time showcases the importance of pursuing one’s passions. However, through doing this Jo is also able to challenge gender norms. Her rejection of Laurie’s proposal highlights her desire for a life that offers her freedom, therefore suggesting her later marriage to Professor Bhaer is one built on mutual respects and support. The individual choices that each sister makes showcases the films emphasis that each sister has different and unique dreams and aspirations. The diversity within their ambitions highlights their empowerment and self-determination.

Within this adaptation of Little Women Gerwig makes it so the theme of family can be showcased as the most significant. Throughout the film it is clear the sisters push each other to becoming the best versions of themselves, even though there may be some difficulties along the way, highlighting the idea that family ties can be both nurturing and challenging. As the March House is one of the main settings throughout the film it serves as a symbol of comfort and stability, it reflects the family’s values and aspirations, creating stark contrast to the world outside. The idiomatic phrase, ‘home is where the heart is’ is used literally here as the house is where the family gathers, celebrates and confront their hardships together. Marmee (played by Laura Dean) further embodies these values, through her nurturing and guiding influence as a mother. Her influence can be shown on all her children through her kindness, strength, and independence, helping shape their character and choices.

The four sisters further reject societal normalities through their pursual of artistic outlets, this is key in defining their characters and the journeys they go on. Jo’s passion for writing is central to the narrative (indeed there would be no book without it). However, as she faces many adversities when attempting to get her writing published reflects the challenges faced by women trying to pursue artistic careers. The challenges faced by women within artistic careers is reflected in Amy’s character (played by Florence Pugh), she wishes to become a great painter, ‘I want to be great or nothing.’ But throughout the film she is forced to put her own dreams aside in order to please someone else, Amy’s almost engagement to Fred is example enough of this. Not only is this recognition of the social constructs of the time but also example of the struggle women faced to gain recognition in male-dominated societies. A struggle that is still relevant now.

Gerwig cleverly deploys use of a non-linear narrative to show the crucial theme of passing time. As the film shifts between the sisters memories juxtaposing the difference in their childhood experiences to their current adult aspirations and challenges. The use of this technique highlights how their individual pasts help shape their present identities and choices. By swapping back and forth between childhood and adulthood Gerwig is able to showcase each characters individual growth, this further allows the audience to see pivotal moments in the film that are both heart-breaking and heart-warming, all contributing to their growth, highlighting how time effects their relationships and individual paths. The idea of change is one woven carefully into the journey’s of individual characters and their familial relationships. Although as the sisters grow older they physically grow apart, their different homes and lives being example of this, Gerwig makes it clear family is still the most important theme within the film. This is highlighted within the final shot of the film, depicting the whole March family (extended and close) together shows the idea surrounding the importance of family. This is partnered with the use of a jump cut showing the actual novel (Little Women) being created, reminding audiences that none of this would exist without the novel, while also reminding us this is a brechtian symbol and we are simply engaging in a constructed by showing the book which is intradiegetic to jo showing the construction of her own reality we have just experienced.