Greta Gerwig's expert writing and directing for Little Women provided an engaging telling of a story pretty familiar to many. The all-star cast puts forth performances well-worth the viewer's time and attention. The high family drama, intrigue, and romance are well put together in the adaptation and used to great effect. Rather than separating the story out and making the time-jump of the story great enough to need different actors, the story flows smoothly with no confusion or setup of who is who.

The younger scenes and flashbacks are still used, but Gerwig's expert direction lets the viewer jump into these with ease and grace. Pugh's Amy March is still wonderfully unlikeable for much of the film, and Chalamet is basically genetically engineered to play the role of Laurie. The real achievement for both of those actors is that one roots for them by the end and Amy is truly likable and, though it seems unlikely from much of the awards season, Pugh is very deserving of the supporting actress nominee and, I dare say, the award itself. If she fails to capture an Oscar this year, rest assured she will not be without one for long.

Marmee, their mother, is played by multiple Oscar nominee and perennial Golden Globe nominee/winner Laura Dern. Her performance is strong while onscreen, as one would expect, though she is the one likely to beat out Pugh for the supporting role with her performance in Marriage Story. And now to Saoirse Ronan, who expertly plays lead in the film, Jo March. This is the fourth nomination for the actor, who is still only 25. As one would expect, her emotional connection to the viewer is powerful, and all of those emotions are expertly put onscreen.

Overall, the film is solid and a good time. For any discussion, the story contains much by way of income inequality, care for one another, the importance of companionship and different forms of love in one's life, and what family means, both when bonded by blood and by choice. Central, too, are Jo's independence and self-worth as a writer, showing that one can try to pursue passions and dreams even when obstacles are stacked in the way by society, friends, or even family. Watch, love it, join in the anger that Gerwig was absolutely snubbed for Best Director.