Little Women

I found time for a second movie today!

It's not Netflix, either!

No, it's Little Women, the latest screen adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's literary magnum opus. Greta Gerwig's follow-up to Lady Bird is a great film to end a year - or decade - of moviegoing. Let's see why.

Gerwig's screenplay goes back and forth in time to tell the story of the March sisters: Meg (Emma Watson), Jo (Saoirse Ronan), Beth (Eliza Scanlen) and Amy (Florence Pugh). During the Civil War, they and their "Marmee" (Laura Dern) hold down the home front while their Father fights for the Union. After the Civil War, the Little Women try to make their ways in the world. Jo submits stories for an editor (Tracy Letts) who prefers his female protagonists dead or wed. Meg settles down with John Brooke (James Norton). Amy travels abroad with Aunt March (Meryl Streep) to hone her passion for painting. Beth plays piano …

There's also Theodore "Laurie" Laurence (Timothee Chalamet), the boy next door. Jo and Amy both fall for him, though they're put off by his carefree attitude. Jo also has a suitor in Friedrich Bhaer (Louis Garrel), whose blunt criticism of her writings doesn't suit her. The March sisters have their fights and quibbles, but they still come through for each other.

Let's talk about the back-and-forth timelines. Cinematographer Yorick Le Saux films the past timeline in warm colors and the present timeline in darker ones. We see a divider between an optimistic past and a cynical future. Editor Nick Houy perfectly juxtaposes the March sisters' highs and lows. The Oscar-shortlisted makeup/hair team capably ages and de-ages the characters. Costume Designer Jacqueline Durran and Production Designer Jess Conchor create an alluring vision of the 1800s. There's also another great, Oscar-shortlisted score from Alexandre Desplat to move the heart.

The March sisters are spectacular. Jo wins the audience over with her spirit. We see how her family inspires her passion; her tough negotiating for her publishing contract is awesome. Amy starts off as a spoiled girl, but we see her change for the better. And it's incredible. Meg and Beth are sympathetic all the way through. They have excellent chemistry; their highs and lows are as believable as any family's.

Let's highlight some of the cast. Laurie is a likable rogue who greatly matures at the end. Chris Cooper, as Laurie's grandfather Mr. Laurence, is a warm fatherly figure. Bob Odenkirk makes the most of his limited screentime as Mr. March. Aunt March, of course, gets some of the best lines. What else is there to say?

Little Women is a great introduction - or re-introduction - to the oft-told story. Its cast, especially its four title characters, are as memorable as their literary characters. Its story structure sharpens each plot twist, especially with Beth's fate. Its 135 minutes go by pretty quickly. All in all, it's anything but a dull retread of an old tale. It's a fresh family drama.

See it soon and you'll be amazed.