I’ve just read four positive test-screening reactions for Greta Gerwig’s “Little Women.” The film was shown in L.A on Monday night.
Account #1
This reviewer highlighted the second hour of the film and also mentioned Florence Pugh as the scene-stealer, despite Saoirse Ronan giving a solid performance. She also mentioned that, despite how watchably appealing they may be, Timothee Chalamet and Emma Watson felt a tad miscast. The reviewer also warned not to expect as universally-praised a reaction as Gerwig’s debut feature “Lady Bird” received back in 2017, but that, despite all that, a Best Picture nomination is very much a “possibility.”
Account #2
"It's a flashback oriented story which can be jarring at times, but it hits its stride in the 2nd act. Gerwig's writing is very sharp and witty. Her visual style has also gotten more polished since Lady Bird. Ronan was on fire. Chalamet was too modern. Pugh is the MVP. She will crash the Supporting Actress race. I'm not good at Oscar predictions, but Picture is possible. Actress, Screenplay, Supporting Actress are very good bets. Desplat could win again for his soulful score. Director is 50/50"
Account #3
”Cast was tremendous. I could single out every one (Chris Cooper was a scene-stealer. Louis Garrell was super charming as Ronan's possible love interest. Ronan is as great as ever. Chalamet is hilarious. Pugh has an earth-shattering monologue. The film is an instant BP contender. Unbelievably emotional and capped off with a crowdpleasing and unexpectedly funny third act. Greta Gerwig should become the first woman to receive two Director nominations. She stepped her game up to create a visually sumptuous and warm film. Desplat's score was complete and is one of his best."
Account #4
"Chalamet was miscast but entertaining. Ronan is an Oscar lock, she won't miss for such a fierce performance. Florence Pugh is a breakout star. Movie will get into BP. Gerwig should earn tons of good will from the directors. She created some wonderful sequences such as a long take piano scene. And she directed while pregnant! Amazing. Gerwig adds a level of relevant feminism into the story that's been missing from previous adaptations. It's what makes it standout"
The theatrical version runs 108 minutes, so we're talking a nearly 2-hour-10-minute cut of a movie that works because it's lean, and I'm not sure anyone needs that.