Why ‘Little Women’ is feel-good Christmas movie we need to watch
2019 has not been kind to reboots and revivals in cinema. Just this month alone, we watched Charlie’s Angels, Terminator: Dark Fate, and Doctor Sleep tank at the box office. But what about a story older than all of these that’s easily the most feel-good story of all time?
Greta Gerwig’s Little Women adaptation will finally hit theaters on Christmas Day, bringing us the perfect story to end 2019 with. The classic novel by Louisa May Alcott has been adapted time and time again, and the new version promises to bring the charming story to a new generation.
While viewers may be sick of reboots and sequels, the new Little Women movie will stand above it all, because it’s truly something special. The story of the March sisters may be set in the Civil War era, but it transcends time and has a message for the world of today: the importance of sisterhood. In case you’re not convinced that Little Women is the perfect movie for your Christmas or it’s been a while and you need a refresher on the story of Little Women, we’ve got you covered.
Sisterly love is key to success
A main theme in Little Women is the huge differences in personality between the four March sisters. Jo Marsh (played by Saoirse Ronan) is boyish, short-tempered, and headstrong, while Meg (Emma Watson) is feminine, and focused on being a good housewife. Beth (Eliza Scanlen) is very shy, quiet, and unfortunately sickly, and lastly, Amy (Florence Pugh) is self-centered, but highly artistic.
There’s such a strong difference between all four sisters, but they still come together when it comes to family. Greta Gerwig’s new adaptation will focus on the lives of the sisters outside of the family home, giving us an even closer look at how connected three sisters are.
Beth’s death is key to the other three March’s development, so Little Women will focus greatly on how the remaining sisters move on after her death into the women they’re meant to be. While tragedy is never feel-good, it leads to some touching moments.
Jo is just as much of a role model now as she was in 1868
As the original narrator of Little Women the novel, Josephine “Jo” March is the eyes and ears of the reader. With such a headstrong narrator, it’s hard not to root for her through everything as she fights to be happy. Jo works to be a successful writer and find true love.
In a surprise to no one, Greta Gerwig made it clear in Lady Bird that Saoirse Ronan is perfect for this kind of role. Little Women will give Ronan a chance to hop back into the role of the headstrong career woman in search of happiness. Plenty of strong female role models feature in film, but Jo March is the original feminist icon that a new generation deserves to meet.
Meg shows girls that they can be a wife & mother, and still be strong
On the other end of the spectrum, Meg is no one’s first choice for feminist icon. But she’s actually just as strong as her sisters. While she’s focused on falling in line with what’s expected of her, Meg is certain in her future of being a housewife and being a mother.
Greta Gerwig cast Emma Watson in this role, who’s been outspoken about her uncertainty in being single and her newfound confidence in her relationship status. No one besides Watson could bring Meg into a more feminist light, showing that Meg is just as strong as Jo for deciding to focus on bringing two or three bright lights into the world.
Jo & Laurie show what a healthy relationship looks like
Too many times, films villainize females friend-zoning males interested in her. One of the most important plot points in Little Women is when Jo turns down Laurie’s marriage proposal, and he doesn’t end up hung up on her. While feelings are hurt at first, the two move on and find other spouses.
Amy ends up marrying Laurie, giving him the wife he rightfully deserves. Jo marries Fritz, finding someone who supports her writing and shares her ideals in the world. While the two stay friends and close, they find happiness elsewhere, a happy ending for both.
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Feel-good movie of the year Little Women will hit theaters Christmas Day, December 25th.
