This is exactly why Gerwig’s Little Women is my favorite movie. You so perfectly encapsulate Jo as a character. If I could give this 100 likes I would! 🙌🙌🙌
This is a perfect understanding of that trembling, vulnerable line. I think that this portrayal of Jo is honestly why this version of little women feels like it has become my generation’s version - and to a greater extent, for a lot of women, the defining version (sorry I know that’s blasphemy against Winona Ryder but it is still true) - because the film SEES women so clearly. All of them. Not just the written on the page parts. The messy, the selfish, the vulnerable, the stubborn, the unsure, the wild, the loving, the domestic, the romantic, the yearning. It sees us FULLY.
The way you frame her loneliness not as weakness but as part of her complexity is what makes her character feel vulnerable and real. We rarely talk about how following your own path can feel so isolating, even when deep inside you know it's the right choice.
First, I haven't watched it, and now I am going to.
Second, after a devastating conversation with my mother where she reduced the value of her only daughter (me) to a wife and womb, I have never felt more seen, considered, and vocalized as I have reading this piece. Existing in the strife of the 'in between'
Wow, you managed to put into words what I could not accurately do so myself when it comes to explaining WHY Greta Gerwig's Little Women adaption is simply the best one. You've got yourself a new subscriber :)
Thank you so much. So well articulated and what I've been feeling so intensely lately. I never watched this movie but I suddenly feel called to... precisely because I kept seeing Jo as this strong-willed, impassioned woman and while I hold her beliefs I've been feeling weak myself lately, so seeing this nuance changes my perspective and I feel I can relate to her better now, even in my state of weakness. Thank you! 🧡
This is exactly the kind of content Substack wants and needs, and excellent work putting it so effectively into perspective! 🖤❤️
Likewise, great to meet you, and I’m glad that you’re finding Substack to be so rewarding! 😊🧡📄
Likewise, if you’re interested in a fresh perspective on culture, lifestyle, and politics, I’d really appreciate it if you could please subscribe to and comment on Letters From the Castle 🏰🌙💜
I took this essay as a recommendation and so I know watched the movie yesterday before reading, and my goodness! How well you've painted Jo! 'self love doesn't negate loneliness ' as a woman who by decisions stray away from societal expectations, I find myself lonely most of the time and your analysis of Jo is very comforting
YES!! I love how you put this, you perfectly summed up why Greta Gerwigs version is my favourite. Loneliness is not a weakness it is our humanity. We are allowed to want both autonomy and love. We don’t have to be put into boxes
This is exactly why Gerwig’s Little Women is my favorite movie. You so perfectly encapsulate Jo as a character. If I could give this 100 likes I would! 🙌🙌🙌
Thank you for taking the time to read!
This is a perfect understanding of that trembling, vulnerable line. I think that this portrayal of Jo is honestly why this version of little women feels like it has become my generation’s version - and to a greater extent, for a lot of women, the defining version (sorry I know that’s blasphemy against Winona Ryder but it is still true) - because the film SEES women so clearly. All of them. Not just the written on the page parts. The messy, the selfish, the vulnerable, the stubborn, the unsure, the wild, the loving, the domestic, the romantic, the yearning. It sees us FULLY.
The way you frame her loneliness not as weakness but as part of her complexity is what makes her character feel vulnerable and real. We rarely talk about how following your own path can feel so isolating, even when deep inside you know it's the right choice.
First, I haven't watched it, and now I am going to.
Second, after a devastating conversation with my mother where she reduced the value of her only daughter (me) to a wife and womb, I have never felt more seen, considered, and vocalized as I have reading this piece. Existing in the strife of the 'in between'
I am so glad I could make you feel seen for the woman you are and you are worth so much more than you'll ever even know!
Thank you so much for reading!
Wow, you managed to put into words what I could not accurately do so myself when it comes to explaining WHY Greta Gerwig's Little Women adaption is simply the best one. You've got yourself a new subscriber :)
this is such a good piece!
thank you so so much!
Thank you so much. So well articulated and what I've been feeling so intensely lately. I never watched this movie but I suddenly feel called to... precisely because I kept seeing Jo as this strong-willed, impassioned woman and while I hold her beliefs I've been feeling weak myself lately, so seeing this nuance changes my perspective and I feel I can relate to her better now, even in my state of weakness. Thank you! 🧡
This piece made me cry. The monologue has resonated so much with me and this piece of yours defines even more clearly why that is the case.
"But self love does not negate loneliness" is going to stick with me for a while. The whole piece is amazing and food for thought, incredible
This is exactly the kind of content Substack wants and needs, and excellent work putting it so effectively into perspective! 🖤❤️
Likewise, great to meet you, and I’m glad that you’re finding Substack to be so rewarding! 😊🧡📄
Likewise, if you’re interested in a fresh perspective on culture, lifestyle, and politics, I’d really appreciate it if you could please subscribe to and comment on Letters From the Castle 🏰🌙💜
My latest post: https://thewallachiangirl.substack.com/p/the-bazaar-girls
I took this essay as a recommendation and so I know watched the movie yesterday before reading, and my goodness! How well you've painted Jo! 'self love doesn't negate loneliness ' as a woman who by decisions stray away from societal expectations, I find myself lonely most of the time and your analysis of Jo is very comforting
Beautiful essay! I love this film, and this scene always breaks my heart. Saoirse is amazing.
YES!! I love how you put this, you perfectly summed up why Greta Gerwigs version is my favourite. Loneliness is not a weakness it is our humanity. We are allowed to want both autonomy and love. We don’t have to be put into boxes
“Self-love does not negate loneliness” that’s a great line!
https://sonderingswan.substack.com/p/impasse New Post :)
This is lovely!