So you've already seen the new Little Women, right, and you liked it? Say, is this the adaption that manages to make me NOT ship Jo x Laurie in a romantic way, a feat not even the books managed? I always feel as if I'm failing LMA (and letting down the platonic m/f friendship side) for getting annoyed over Laurie x Amy every damn time. :)
Hi there!!
YES, I was fortunate enough to see a very early screening of it with the cast & Greta back in October, and I will say it again - it’s honestly the best film I’ve seen this year. Greta manages to find the core of the March sisters - their ambitions and anger and hope and love for each other and frustrations - and make them real and relevant and punk, and reminds us just how rarely women have been able to tell their own stories...and Florence Pugh you guys, FLORENCE PUGH, just give her her Oscar already.
But, okay, to answer your question...well, it’s complicated. And slightly spoilery so turn back NOW if you want to go into the film without knowing anything
(SERIOUSLY I AM GOING INTO DETAIL ABOUT THE JO/LAURIE and AMY/LAURIE RELATIONSHIPS IN THE NEW LITTLE WOMEN FILM)
Okay, so, the short answer is, yes and no. Because yes, you’re going to ship Jo & Laurie (and not just because Saoirse and Timothee have such great chemistry together) - BUT!!!!!!!! Here’s the thing - and where Greta’s version is genius and brilliant and omg chef’s kiss - what this version ALSO shows is how Jo & Laurie really aren’t very good for each other, because they don’t - or aren’t capable - of forcing the other one to GROW. Yes, their lives are enriched by being around each other and yes, they have this beautiful bond, but the film is pretty clear about how Jo can’t force Laurie to grow the fuck up and Laurie can’t force Jo to get out there and live her best life.
And the other genius thing about this version (and seriously, I love Greta SO much for this) is that the film shows all of the ways that Amy DOES force Laurie into being a better person and taking responsibility for himself and his actions (and Meg too - honestly, one of my favorite scenes of the film is between Meg & Laurie), and how Laurie helps Amy step out from behind Jo’s shadow and into the light as her own person. The film spends time letting that relationship grow, and giving it space and time, so that when Amy & Laurie get together, it feels natural. (And also, Florence & Timothee do such a brilliant job - and also have great chemistry!) (Although, let’s be real, Timothee would have great chemistry with an actual rock :D)
But it also is very good about showing the messiness of the entire situation, and it’s handled beautifully.
So, honestly, I can’t say that you’re NOT going to ship Jo and Laurie - but I think you’ll find yourself understanding why they never would have worked, and why Amy and Laurie do. :DDD
