Directed and adapted by award-winning director Greta Gerwig, Little Women is a powerful, modern retelling of the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott. The story centers around the four March sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. Each sister possesses unique personality traits and goals, as Meg, the eldest, aspires to have a family, Jo works to be a writer, Beth finds comfort in music and Amy is an aspiring artist. Although the novel and previously made adaptations follow the same plot line, the 2019 film alters minor details as a tribute to Alcott.

   The movie communicates many feminist ideas, staying true to the novel. The cast, which consists of Emma Watson, Saoirse Ronan, Eliza Scanlen, Florence Pugh, Laura Dern and Meryl Streep, effectively conveys the importance of following one’s own passions and dreams while not criticizing others’. Throughout the movie, Jo works to become a writer and pursue her passion without letting anyone tell her otherwise.

   One of the most powerful messages is communicated in a scene that occurred at the end of the film, when Jo sold her first novel to a publisher. The publisher attempts to persuade Jo to sell the copyright for her novel so she would receive pay as soon as possible. However, Jo refuses to relinquish the copyright, as she would rather own what is hers than receive immediate acknowledgement of her hard work.

   A nonlinear format also adds to the storytelling aspect of the movie, as the scenes alternate between the present and the future, giving the viewer a glimpse into the characters’ futures and providing a comparison between the two time periods. Although this is a different format than the book, it supplies a new and engaging perspective.

   Watson, Ronan, Scanlen and Pugh did an incredible job conveying a realistic sister-like bond, which allowed the messages of the movie to resonate well with the audience. The March family, despite living during the Civil War era, experienced mishaps and problems that viewers of any time period can relate to. Little Women succeeded in relating a beloved classic to a modern audience, making it one of my new favorite movies.