Can we ever have too many versions of Little Women? We say no, and luckily, so does Sony Pictures.
There are tons of reasons we’re pumped about an updated version of Louisa May Alcott’s classic, the main one being the obvious fact that we are long time Little Women lovers. Alcott’s book was fiercely pro-women and inspiringly ahead of its time, and for that alone we’ll always be thrilled to see its story honored.
But there are plenty of other factors that are making us believe this adaptation of Little Women will be especially incredible:
1. It will put women in the spotlight for the vast majority of the movie. Yes, this seems like a “duh,” but because so many movies don’t, we’re psyched about it. Like the versions before it, this film will no doubt pass the Bechdel test, and that’s (unfortunately) nothing to sneeze at. Following four sisters as they come of age in the post-Civil War era, this story features plenty of conversations among women about important aspects of life other than men. Yes, please.
2. It will be CREATED by women. It’s looking like the production, direction, and screenwriting will be led by women (what we wish wasn’t a Hollywood rarity). Amy Pascal just signed on to produce aside Denise Di Novi and Robin Swicord, and Oscar-nominated screenwriter Sarah Polley (Take This Waltz) will be in charge of the script. A movie all about women, created by women? It’s safe to say Alcott (and our) dreams are coming true.
3. It’ll likely have a killer cast. While we’re huge fans of the earlier versions’ stars (Winona Ryder, Elizabeth Taylor, and Katharine Hepburn to name a few), we can’t help but get excited thinking about all the empowering young actresses that we’d love to see putting their own spins on the adored March sisters—Chloe Grace Moretz, Tavi Gevinson, Emma Watson, Jennifer Lawrence—the list goes on, and we can’t wait to see what the awesome female production team comes up with!
4. It’ll be wonderfully empowering. Based off a book with such strong female characters, we have no doubt that the most recent adaptation will find countless ways to remind us how amazing and independent women are. Look no further for proof than these unforgettable Jo March quotes:
“ I find it poor logic to say that because women are good, women should vote. Men do not vote because they are good; they vote because they are male, and women should vote, not because we are angels and men are animals, but because we are human beings and citizens of this country.”
“I fly around throwing away perfectly good marriage proposals.”
“My book! Someone’s publishing my book! Hannah! Hannah, someone’s publishing my book!
5. Stories like Little Women are timeless. A film adaptation of a book about family, girl power, and facing the fear of going against the grain? These themes just don’t get old. The relationships among the March daughters and their mother send inspiring messages about finding sisterhood with other women, and everyone can relate to strong connections felt amongst family. Not to mention, Jo rejected traditional ideas of femininity with her “tomboyishness” in the late 19th century, and over 100 years later, individuals are still living in a world where being themselves very often requires challenging gender norms. Talk about pertinent.
6. It will kick off a conversation about feminism in pop culture. The fact that feminism has really been hitting the mainstream, and an increasing number of young women are proudly identifying as feminists, means this is the perfect time for a revamp of a “girl power” story that goes way back. If the creators take this opportunity to parallel their characters’ concerns with those of the film’s modern audience, this version could be more nuanced and relevant than ever. And that, our dear readers, would be an amazing thing to see.
Image via Moviehole
