Little Women: what's the Cineworld Unlimited verdict?

Our final Cineworld Unlimited screening of 2019 was Little Women, adapted by Greta Gerwig from the classic 1868 novel by Louisa May Alcott.

The critically acclaimed movie stars Golden Globe nominee Saoirse Ronan as Jo March, a headstrong aspiring author and one of four March siblings, the others being Amy (Florence Pugh), Meg (Emma Watson) and Beth (Eliza Scanlen). Rounding out the superb cast are Timothee Chalamet, Laura Dern and Meryl Streep.

The film recounts the story of the March sisters as they grow to womanhood, Gerwig investing the tale with a contemporary edge as she zips back and forth in time to reveal the highs and lows of the characters' lives. So what did Cineworld Unlimited members make of it?

Anita Eivaz cannot lavish enough praise on Gerwig's film, which is the follow-up to her 2017 hit Lady Bird.

Perfect!!! Utterly beautiful and my absolute favourite film of the year – everything about this adaptation worked, the cast, the direction, the cinematography... S T U N N I N G! Thank you for this cheeky preview xx #CineworldUnlimited #LittleWomen

— Anita Eivaz (@princessneetz) December 17, 2019

Matthew Buck lauds the efforts of the cast.

Little Women (2019): Greta Gerwig's update of the classic story is simply terrific and full of vitality and energy from a wonderful cast, especially aided by a non-linear structure used to great effect. I was captivated from start to finish, it is one of the year's best films.

— Mathew Buck (@FB_BMB) December 17, 2019

Our very own writer Nadine Shambrook loved how Gerwig tinkered with the structure of the novel.

Amazing. Thought the framing of time in it worked SO WELL, made it feel fresh despite it being adapted lots of times. Cast were brilliant, especially Pugh as the usually unlikeable but this time lovable Amy. Music is beautiful too. Thanks @cineworld, will be seeing again!

— Nadine (@nadineshambrook) December 17, 2019

That said, such a radical approach didn't work for everyone, including Caz.

The structure was a bit confusing and it was a bit mundane for the first two thirds. But it turned it around and by the end I just want the world for Jo

— Caz (@SheSpoiledIt) December 17, 2019

Sam Crossley says the film eventually finds its feet in the second half.

Thought the first half was a bit slow and was a bit confused with the time aspect but then really found its rhythm in the second half, Saoirse Ronan captivating as always, beach scene with Jo and Beth was beautifully shot #LittleWomenMovie

— Sam Crossley (@lilsamcharliebo) December 17, 2019

Nicole is another viewer who praises the ensemble cast.

I have to say that #LittleWomenMovie was fantastic! Great performances all round and the costuming was to die for! I laughed, I cried and I came out wanting to immediately see it again #CineworldUnlimited pic.twitter.com/gRcpnplvqw

— Nicole (@nicatthemovies) December 17, 2019

We'll end with this from David Cann who says Gerwig has achieved the impossible: honouring a classic source while ensuring its relevance for a modern-day audience.

#LittleWomen has to be a 2019 fave. The Lit nerd in me delighted; fantastic performances, some clever re-chronologising whilst remaining true to the story & a very clever way of tackling something that would've otherwise felt grievously unsatisfying. #cineworldunlimited #DCreview

— David Cann (@drwhofan_194) December 17, 2019

Anyone else who was at last night's screening can tweet us @Cineworld and using #CineworldUnlimited.

If you missed it, fear not: Little Women is released in Cineworld cinemas on Boxing Day.

Thanks to everyone who has supported our Cineworld Unlimited screenings this year. While you catch your breath over Christmas, we've got exciting news: your first two advance screenings of 2020 are already on their way.

On Tuesday the 7th of January, Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron and Margot Robbie star in Bombshell, the empowering true story of the three women who brought down misogynistic Fox News CEO Roger Ailes.

And on Thursday the 9th of January, Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx star in emotional legal drama Just Mercy. This is another drama inspired by true events, recounting lawyer Bryan Stevenson's heroic attempts to repeal the conviction of death row inmate Walter McMillian.

If you haven't yet joined Cineworld Unlimited, then make it your new years resolution to do so. Enjoy advance screenings, money off your favourite restaurants and more for a set monthly price. Click here to join Cineworld Unlimited.