Greta Gerwig's 'Little Women' remake tipped for Oscar success after first screening
The first reactions have landed for indie darling Greta Gerwig's new take on Louisa May Alcott's beloved novel Little Women, and it sounds like a genuine Oscar contender.
Featuring a stunningly impressive cast – comprising Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Timothée Chalamet, Laura Dern and Meryl Streep – the novel centres on the March sisters living in New England in the aftermath of the Civil War.
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Rather than following the novel explicitly, Gerwig has reportedly taken a more thematic approach to the text, focussing also on the sisters' young adult lives, as well as using different time lines.
US critics were shown the movie yesterday, and as we wait for full reviews, it appears the new movie is a triumph.
#LittleWomen is delightful, Saorise Ronan is at her best ever & while she doesn’t send any boys to death in a burning bear suit, @Florence_Pugh makes Meryl Streep her bitch. Greta Gerwig kicks ass behind the camera yet again. Emma Watson tries.
Two bonnets up! #littlewomenmovie pic.twitter.com/TmkCmNLdyx— 🕸🎃🕷Jakob 🕯Kolness 🦇🎃🕸 (@JakobKolness) October 23, 2019
Greta Gerwig's @LittleWomen is 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. pic.twitter.com/NwcMmnx9Pg
— Kara Warner (@karawarner) October 24, 2019
Greta Gerwig breathes fresh air into LITTLE WOMEN with a time-jumping story structure that actually works for maximum emotional impact, particularly the rapturous final act. Saoirse Ronan is Queen, with her most layered performance yet. One of the best films of the year! pic.twitter.com/tqKB1oRzBS
— Matt Samet (@MattSametEsq) October 24, 2019
Went to a screening of #LittleWomen...
#1 - it was phenomenally heartwarming and somehow nostalgic and heartbreaking all at the same time.
#2 - Greta Gerwig went to sit in her chair and fell over. And she is everything pure in this world.— Tepper (@KristenTepper) October 23, 2019
Some are now tipping it for Oscar glory too.
The last three Best Picture winners—MOONLIGHT, THE SHAPE OF WATER, GREEN BOOK—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? (It’s inventive and wonderful.)— Sean Fennessey (@SeanFennessey) October 24, 2019
Little Women is charming if not a wee bit long. Saoirse Ronan and Florence Pugh are the standout performances. Best Picture nominee...maybe?
— Gregory Ellwood - The Playlist 🎬 (@TheGregoryE) October 24, 2019
Gerwig was nominated for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay last year at the Oscars, for her movie Lady Bird, which also starred Saoirse Ronan.
Also starring Better Call Saul's Bob Odenkirk, Chris Copper and British actor James Norton, the movie lands in the UK on Boxing Day.