Writer Jo March (Jillian Murray) is taken by surprise when her editor asks her to scrap her latest book idea and start again. Trying to make a move into young adult fiction, Jo decides to return home for the holidays while she comes up with an entirely new concept. Reconnecting with her sisters Meg (Jen Lilley), Beth (Laura Osnes) and Amy (Julia Reilly), she sets about work and meets handsome Fritz (Trevor Donovan) by chance (or so she thinks). Fritz is actually an editor from Jo’s publisher, who has been sent to help her with her new book but he decides not to reveal his true identity.
As you’ll have guessed by the name, ‘A Little Women’s Christmas’ is a modern retelling of Louisa May Alcott’s classic 1868 novel ‘Little Women’. Loosely following a similar plot progression to the source material, the film explores the lives of four very different sisters who are all facing their own problems. While Jo is struggling with her book, Meg is missing her husband John (Jesse Hutch) who is serving in the army, and Beth and Amy are hiding secrets from the rest of the family.
The main focus of the film falls on Jo and her burgeoning relationship with Fritz. The audience is aware of Fritz’s true intentions from the start so it’s a matter of watching to see how and when Jo finds out. Fritz isn’t asked to conceal his identity but he does so thinking that befriending Jo will likely get better results than if she thinks he’s there to breathe down her neck. The two forms a fast connection with Jo’s sisters very keen for her to embark on a romance. I won’t reveal how Fritz’s secret is unearthed as I don’t want to spoil it but I found it very satisfying.
The strength of ‘A Little Women’s Christmas’, apart from its source material, is the four strong female leads that drive the film. Jillian Murray, Jen Lilley, Laura Osnes and Julia Reilly will all be familiar to regular viewers of Great American Family and the four actors are superb. They are believable as sisters and their chemistry feels completely natural. It’s nice that each actor gets their own storyline, and the scenes they come together are some of the film’s best. The male actors are strong too. Trevor Donovan is the standout as the super smooth Fritz but mention should go to supporting player’s Jesse Hutch, Dean Geyer and Kyle Kupecky as the love interests/partners of the sisters.
‘A Little Women’s Christmas’ is a true delight. It hits all of the right festive notes and its stellar ensemble cast ensures that there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy. Holiday movies live or die by evoking emotion from the viewer and this film does that easily. It’s a wonderful blend of drama and comedy, with a strong core of family and love running through its centre. I recommend you don’t miss this one!
Cast: Jillian Murray, Jen Lilley, Laura Osnes, Julia Reilly, Trevor Donovan, Jesse Hutch, Dean Geyer, Kyle Kupecky, Gladys Knight Director: Brandon Clark Writers: Taylor Bird & Dione Sheehan Certificate: Unrated Duration: 84 mins Released by: Great American Media Release date: 23rd November 2024
‘A Little Women’s Christmas’ premieres Saturday 23rd November 2024 at 8/7c on Great American Family as part of Great American Christmas. Find out more at https://www.greatamericanfamily.com/movie/a-little-womens-christmas/
