Kimberly Pedersen

If you’ve read the book, or liked the 1994 movie, this version might leave you wanting. The constant time jumps make it hard to develop connections to the characters, and you never see the magical, childhood friendship evolve between Laurie (Teddy) and the girls, or the love between he and Jo, and later he & Amy. Florence Pugh (Amy) and Timothy Chalamet (Laurie) are absolutely miscast and unbelievable in their roles. The whole cast uses much more modern language. Jo’s writing career and relationship with Friedrich are told differently (though I read an article in which Greta Gerwig explains her reasoning why). The movie is beautifully shot, and probably not as disappointing if you don’t love the novel or 1994 movie, but unfortunately it wasn’t what I’d hoped it would be.