Louisa May Alcott’s most famous tale has been filmed numerous times, often with great results — I gave the 1994 version four stars. This particular version jumps around in time, which I found rather distracting, but writer-director Greta Gerwig develops the characters beautifully, allowing them to bloom and grow before our eyes, and the results are very satisfying.

Greta Gerwig’s film follows the March girls, aspiring writer Jo (Saoirse Ronan), romantic Meg (Emma Watson), aspiring artist Amy (Florence Pugh) and young Beth (Eliza Scanlen) as they experience the bloom of adulthood and the realities of life more than a century ago. The film focuses on Jo’s efforts to become a published writer — although her work is burned on purpose on more than one occasion.

Two assets make this version especially worthwhile. First, the acting. Saoirse Ronan is excellent as Jo, but Florence Pugh is spectacularly good as Amy (both are Oscar nominated). And you can’t go wrong with Laura Dern and Meryl Streep as the adults. Secondly, Gerwig has fashioned the script to emphasize Jo’s desire to make her own way, and the work ethic necessary to get there. Thus, the film has a contemporary feel and attitude that helps it relate to modern audiences.

I like this version of Little Women but it isn’t my favorite — the 1994 version with Winona Ryder and Kirsten Dunst claims that distinction. I think this one jumps back and forth too much; one time is really off-putting because it follows a tragedy. But this is a wonderfully old-fashioned movie given a timely, satisfying update; it is impossible not to feel for the March girls as they begin to make their way into the world. ☆ ☆ ☆. 7 February 2020.