Let's Discuss: Anticipating 2019's 'Little Women' Starring Saoirse Ronan

Focus Features

The trailer for Greta Gerwig’s upcoming adaptation of “Little Women” sets up big expectations for the Saoirse Ronan starrer. “Little Women” has been adapted many times, and yet the first trailer for Gerwig's take demonstrates why it still has steam. As a fan of costume dramas, Gerwig’s work, and Ronan’s, this looks like a must-see.

Greta Gerwig and Saoirse Ronan previously teamed on the highly entertaining original “Lady Bird.” Now, the duo is back with “Little Women.” A story that many are undoubtedly familiar with as it tells of the trials and tribulations of the March sisters.


The trailer hints at Saoirse Ronan’s already apparent Oscar-worthy performance! It also provides a strong sense of how Greta Gerwig's influence will be felt in her take on “Little Women.” Check out the trailer below:

First things first, this trailer is absolutely beguiling and has made an interested party out of someone who was not entirely enthusiastic earlier. Why? Because the story itself is so tragic. That will undoubtedly remain unchanged. However, it looks like there will be a cheerful air throughout this “Little Women.” Trailers can be deceiving, though.

There is something that can be known for sure about the movie. That is, if there is anything Saoirse Ronan has proven in her incredible career, it is that she can play a sister with tremendous depth. Look no further than her performance in “Brooklyn” or “The Lovely Bones.” The trailer proves what many probably already guessed, and that is Ronan is a pitch-perfect pick for Jo March.

From the films mentioned above to the underseen “How I Live Now,” “Byzantium,” and beyond, Saoirse Ronan has proven she is a genuine movie star. She is an actress capable of a long-term career playing a multitude of characters. “Little Women” is just the latest opportunity for her to showcase that.

Starring opposite of Ronan is Emma Watson as Meg, and 2018 breakout Florence Pugh as Amy. Eliza Scanlen (“Sharp Objects”) will play Beth. In the trailer, it is nice to hear Watson's Meg voice a particularly worthy sentiment to her sister regarding their divergent life paths. It gives the story some alternative voices.



Family drama is always fruitful for exploration. The bond between sisters is another complicated thread to weave. Stories cannot always be as idealized as “Frozen” in their approach to the relationship. Not that there is anything wrong with the Disney hit's showing of sisterhood.

For dramas, inherent love, rivalry, and personality conflicts can be explored in a rendering of the dynamic. Hopefully, this “Little Women” adaptation keeps that in mind.

Last year was a very pivotal one for actress Florence Pugh, and she impressed with everything I saw her in. From “The Commuter,” to the surprisingly good Netflix period drama “Outlaw King” and the disturbing horror flick “Malevolent,” Pugh was a scene-stealer. Playing Amy in “Little Women” will be a fun fit for her, so her performance is another one worth looking forward to.

This movie has many recent breakouts, with Saoirse Ronan and Emma Watson as the established screen presences among the younger female set. Ronan’s “Lady Bird” co-star Timothée Chalamet will play the epically lovelorn Laurie. As seen in the trailer, consummate actress Laura Dern will play the March family's matriarch, which is another perfect casting choice.

Jo’s eventual love interest, Friedrich Bhaer, is not seemingly shown in the trailer. Louis Garrel will play him in this version of “Little Women.” It will be interesting to see what kind of chemistry he and Saoirse Ronan create. The trailer understandably focuses more on the dynamic between Jo and Laurie. However, Bhaer and Jo's relationship is just as pivotal.


Also of note and seismic personal excitement is who co-wrote the screenplay for this adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s novel. It is co-written by Greta Gerwig and (drum roll please) -- Sarah Polley! As someone who was left mesmerized by the script for the recent “Alias Grace” adaptation on Netflix, this is huge!

Sarah Polley’s script was spellbindingly crafted in the miniseries. There is a reason it was one of my picks for 2017’s best television shows. Between her and Greta Gerwig, this “Little Women” adaptation is a lock for high expectations.

It has been a long while since a trailer elicited any personal excitement, so this is pretty big. In related news, another upcoming release has also brought about those emotions. Are movies finally turning it around? I hope so. Television cannot have all of the fun.

When can you expect it? “Little Women,” starring Saoirse Ronan, is currently set to arrive in theaters on Christmas Day, December 25. Get your tissues ready!

[Featured Image by Wilson Webb / CTMG / Sony Pictures Releasing]