--- title: "Little Women: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/film/little-women/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/film/little-women" critics_score: 85 critics_reviews: 32 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Little Women (2019): what the critics said Critics' score 85 from 32 reviews: 30 positive, 2 mixed, 0 negative. The reviews are close to unanimous. Almost every critic starts with Greta Gerwig’s decision to break Louisa May Alcott’s story out of its chronology and cut between the sisters’ childhood and their adult lives, and most think it works, giving a familiar novel fresh momentum and a sharper eye on money and women’s ambition. The cast draws the other cluster of praise. Florence Pugh’s Amy is the performance named most often; Saoirse Ronan’s Jo and Timothée Chalamet’s Laurie follow close behind. Where the critics part, it is over the same structure. Den of Geek finds the crosscutting drains momentum across a long runtime and leaves some supporting characters thin, and Slant Magazine thinks the pacing rushes scenes that need air. Screen Daily, one of the two mixed notices, calls the film over-stuffed and rather pleased with itself, while The Skinny finds it occasionally sentimental. These are quibbles inside a narrow spread: there are no negative reviews at all. ## Little White Lies — David Jenkins Rating 4/5/5. 25 November 2019. Gerwig delivers one of the great modern literary adaptations, capturing the emotional essence of the March sisters' lives with technical mastery. The critic highlights the film's romantic realism and ensemble performances as a transcendent achievement. [Read the review](https://lwlies.com/reviews/little-women) ## The i Paper — Demetrios Matheou Rating ★★★★★. 24 December 2019. Greta Gerwig’s adaptation is a joyful, moving, near-flawless piece of film-making with an outstanding young cast and a modern sensibility that blows a breeze through the period action. It may be the best of the many adaptations of Alcott’s novel. [Read the review](https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/little-women-review-greta-gerwig-saoirse-ronan-florence-pugh-emma-watson-378566) ## Time Out — Joshua Rothkopf Rating 5/5. 26 November 2019. Gerwig cuts to the thematic essence of sisterhood, coming of age, nostalgia and female liberty with a fresh visual language. The critic singles out Florence Pugh's standout turn as Amy for particular praise. [Read the review](https://www.timeout.com/movies/little-women-2) ## Empire — Helen O'Hara Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 25 November 2019. Gerwig’s follow-up to Lady Bird takes an overly familiar story and makes it immediate, important and daring with bold non-linear storytelling that centres grown women and their ambitions. It is the definitive big-screen Little Women thanks to a finale that would delight Alcott. [Read the review](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/little-women-2019/) ## IndieWire — Kate Erbland Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 25 November 2019. The review lauds the film's beautiful performances, impeccable craftsmanship, and Gerwig's ambitious elliptical storytelling that blends tradition with meta modernity. It positions the adaptation as stunning and smart overall. [Read the review](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/little-women-review-greta-gerwig-adaptation-1202191341/) ## RogerEbert.com — Tomris Laffly Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 24 December 2019. The critic praises Gerwig's fresh, non-linear adaptation that respects Alcott while updating it for modern audiences through memory and nostalgia. Strong performances and structural innovation are highlighted as making it a masterly and emotionally resonant film. [Read the review](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/little-women-movie-review-2019) ## The Hollywood Reporter — David Rooney Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 25 November 2019. Gerwig's take brings freshness, vitality and emotional nuance to the material, shaking up the chronology while respecting its old-fashioned bones and illuminating its proto-feminist perspective. The ensemble shines, led by Ronan's commanding Jo and Chalamet's standout Laurie. [Read the review](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/little-women-1257699/) ## The New York Times — A.O. Scott Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 23 December 2019. The critic hails the film as a major achievement that is generous, sincere, and full of critical intelligence and honest sentiment. Gerwig's inventive adaptation and the dazzling cast, especially Saoirse Ronan, are singled out for praise. [Read the review](https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/23/movies/little-women-review.html) ## Vulture Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 25 November 2019. Gerwig's non-chronological structure and elevation of Amy alongside Jo demand viewers reconsider the characters and themes of happiness, economics, and gender expectations. The film treats the sisters as rounded individuals with diverging but equally valid paths, culminating in a satisfying, slyly meta ending. [Read the review](https://www.vulture.com/2019/11/movie-review-little-women-directed-by-greta-gerwig.html) ## Film Comment — Imogen Sara Smith Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 1 December 2019. The critic highlights Gerwig's meta approach that foregrounds Jo's emergence as an author and stiffens the story's feminist elements while remaining faithful to the era. She singles out the multidimensional portrayals of the sisters, particularly Florence Pugh's Amy and the credible Laurie-Amy romance, along with the film's emphasis on economic realities and female bonds. [Read the review](https://www.filmcomment.com/phantom-light-portrait-of-a-lady-on-fire-and-little-women/) ## Los Angeles Times — Kenneth Turan Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 25 November 2019. The critic calls it a splendid version that soars with strong messages and even stronger emotions, highlighting its emotional accessibility, vibrant sisterhood, and Gerwig's nonchronological approach that adds poignancy. [Read the review](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2019-11-25/little-women-greta-gerwig-saiorse-ronan-review) ## Sight and Sound Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 2 January 2020. Gerwig's restructuring of the novel into layers of memory and nostalgia liberates the story while staying faithful to its progressive themes. The critic singles out Florence Pugh's performance as Amy for particular praise. [Read the review](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/little-women-2019-greta-gerwig-saoirse-ronan-florence-pugh-emma-watson-eliza-scanlen) ## The New Yorker — Anthony Lane Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 25 December 2019. The review praises Gerwig's raw and startling adaptation for emphasizing women's indignation as a rousing right and for its radical outward gaze balanced with respect for home comforts. It suggests the film may be the best yet made by an American woman. [Read the review](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/01/06/greta-gerwigs-raw-startling-little-women) ## Evening Standard — Charlotte O'Sullivan Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 20 December 2019. Gerwig offers a muscular, moving and often deeply funny reworking of the Louisa May Alcott classic that deconstructs and restructures the tale with meta-twists and a focus on finance as a feminist issue. The film feels like an event whose characters we’ll love for the rest of our lives, despite a few flaws like an invented proposal scene. [Read the review](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/little-women-review-these-march-sisters-are-not-just-for-christmas-well-love-them-all-our-lives-a4318531.html) ## The Telegraph Rating 4/5. 27 December 2019. Gerwig's reverent adaptation is lavishly respectable and will please fans, with Chalamet as the standout lively character. Minor complaints include an overbusy score and fluctuating haircuts. [Read the review](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/little-women-review-electric-timothee-chalamet-greta-gerwigs/) ## Total Film Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 26 November 2019. Greta Gerwig’s warm, woke take on America’s classic girlhood novel takes liberties but makes a tender, engrossing tale by splitting the sisters’ lives into interwoven timelines that feel fresh and relatable. Florence Pugh’s portrayal of Amy is the film’s star-making turn. [Read the review](https://www.gamesradar.com/little-women-review-2019/) ## Variety — Peter Debruge Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 25 November 2019. The review commends Gerwig for a lively, if nonlinear, retelling that does right by the material with a dream cast and shows her aptitude for studio projects. It notes the wholesome, kindhearted tale and strong performances, especially by Ronan and Pugh. [Read the review](https://variety.com/2019/film/reviews/little-women-review-2-1203407660/) ## Radio Times — Flora Carr Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 13 December 2019. Gerwig reexamines the love triangle and character dynamics through interwoven timelines, highlighting Amy and Jo as mirrors of each other. The critic notes the film's uncertainty about Jo's ending as a thoughtful ambiguity. [Read the review](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/greta-gerwig-little-women-review/) ## Slant Magazine — Michael Joshua Rowin Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 25 November 2019. Gerwig’s nonlinear adaptation highlights Jo’s perspective and the sisters’ ambitions but can feel rushed and enervating due to rapid pacing in scenes. It includes a clever meta ending that honors the source while addressing social pressures. [Read the review](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/little-women-review-greta-gerwig/) ## Screen Daily Fi1m's normalised score 60/100 (inferred from the text). 25 November 2019. Gerwig's film is a conventional yet lavishly nostalgic retelling that plays to a self-selecting audience with strong performances, especially Florence Pugh as Amy. The critic notes its self-satisfied, over-stuffed qualities alongside its appeal. [Read the review](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/little-women-review/5144933.article) ## The Guardian — Wendy Ide 29 December 2019. Gerwig delivers a respectful yet bracingly current adaptation that brings the March family to life with overlapping timelines and chaotic energy. The critic praises the focus on female fulfilment, creative ambition and the joyful, tumultuous performances, especially Ronan and Pugh. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/dec/29/little-women-review-greta-gerwig-saoirse-ronan-wendy-ide) ## The Times — Kevin Maher Rating ★★★★☆. 26 December 2019. Gerwig's structural audacity and focus on the sisters' relationships make this an instant classic, with standout performances from Ronan and Pugh capturing intense sibling dynamics. [Read the review](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/books/article/little-women-review-they-may-be-little-but-this-is-great-v6vzbg7wp) ## HeyUGuys — Freda Cooper Rating 5/5. 12 December 2019. Gerwig blends the classic and contemporary with consummate skill, giving the familiar story a refreshing 21st-century approach while retaining its essence. The non-linear structure, stunning photography, and excellent cast—particularly Ronan as Jo and Pugh as Amy—are singled out for praise. [Read the review](https://www.heyuguys.com/little-women-2019-review-starring-saoirse-ronan-emma-watson-florence-pugh-timothee-chalamet/) ## Collider — Matt Goldberg Rating A. 25 December 2019. Gerwig's nonlinear adaptation makes the story more cohesive with powerful character arcs and a youthful, lived-in feel. The critic singles out the terrific performances, especially from Florence Pugh and Timothée Chalamet, and the lush cinematography and score. [Read the review](https://collider.com/little-women-review-greta-gerwig/) ## Paste — Ellen Johnson Rating 9.1/10. 13 December 2019. Gerwig uses compassionate and unexpected storytelling techniques to renovate the beloved tale, cracking open the narrative structure and toggling between timelines for a rhythmic, vibrant result. The performances, especially Pugh breathing new life into Amy, and the film's emotional resonance are highlighted. [Read the review](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/little-women/little-women-review) ## /Film — Hoai-Tran Bui Rating 9/10. 20 December 2019. The critic celebrates the film's warm, big-hearted recontextualization of the story, especially its elevation of Amy as a compelling character. It singles out the vibrant world-building and joyful spirit as standout elements. [Read the review](https://www.slashfilm.com/571255/little-women-review/) ## The Playlist Rating A-. 25 November 2019. The critic praises Gerwig's ambitious non-linear adaptation for its modern take on sisterly bonds and Jo's pursuit of dreams. It singles out the strong performances, especially Ronan's Jo, for making the classic feel fresh and emotionally resonant. [Read the review](https://theplaylist.net/little-women-greta-gerwig-review/) ## The Wrap Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 23 December 2019. Gerwig puts a new spin on the tale with a non-linear structure and more balanced focus on the sisters, resulting in a moving and meaningful interpretation. The film excels in performances, craftsmanship in scoring and design, and its organic handling of sentimentality and feminist themes without manipulation. [Read the review](https://www.thewrap.com/little-women-film-review-2019-greta-gerwig-saoirse-ronan/) ## Consequence Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 28 December 2019. Gerwig brings something new to the classic story with a modern edge, structuring it around all the March sisters for added depth and dimension. The joyous reimagining, emotional explosion from loss to love, and standout performances—particularly Pugh's Amy and Chalamet's Laurie—are praised. [Read the review](https://consequence.net/2019/12/film-review-little-women/) ## Deadline — Pete Hammond Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 19 December 2019. Gerwig's adaptation affirms the need for a new version by emphasizing Jo's battle for independence and adding layers about money and gender inequality. The film features immaculate casting, strong performances especially from Ronan and Pugh, and excellent production values that make it feel fresh and relevant. [Read the review](https://deadline.com/video/little-women-review-greta-gerwig-saorise-ronan-meryl-streep-laura-dern/) ## Polygon — Karen Han Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 25 November 2019. Gerwig treats the four March sisters as equals without judging their different desires and paths. The critic singles out the film's joyful, earnest energy, uniform cast performances (especially Pugh), and emphasis on kindness over conventional success. [Read the review](https://www.polygon.com/2019/11/25/20978540/little-women-review-greta-gerwig-saoirse-ronan-florence-pugh-timothee-chalamet-emma-watson) ## Den of Geek — David Crow Rating 4/5. 25 November 2019. The critic commends Gerwig for making the story her own by reframing it as a conversation between past and present, honoring Alcott while adding timeliness and insight into Amy and the Laurie-Amy romance. He notes drawbacks including a lengthy runtime where crosscutting disrupts momentum and some supporting characters feel underdeveloped compared to Ronan and Pugh's standout performances. [Read the review](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/little-women-review-greta-gerwig/) ## Eye for Film — Anne-Katrin Titze Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 8 January 2020. The critic highlights the film's daring non-linear structure and liberating costumes while noting some scenes feel strained or overly broad. It singles out the strong ensemble, particularly Streep's Aunt March and the focus on the sisters' inner lives. [Read the review](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/little-women-2019-film-review-by-anne-katrin-titze) ## The Skinny — Kelli Weston Rating 3/5. 17 December 2019. Gerwig’s version centers the sisters’ adult lives, authorship and autonomy with effective flashbacks. The cast’s chemistry elevates this elegant if occasionally sentimental portrayal of family and sisterhood. [Read the review](https://www.theskinny.co.uk/film/new-releases/little-women) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/film/little-women.md