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As soon as we found out that genius Greta Gerwig would be at the helm of Barbie, we knew that everyone's fave doll was in the best hands creatively. Why? One reason was because of Greta Gerwig's phenomenal reimagination of Little Women. 

Little Women was filled to the brim with unforgettably beautiful dialogue that examined the intricacies of girlhood, womanhood and sisterhood. Every detail is intentional, whether it lives in the cinematography or script. The characters especially are the vessel of the film's profound morals about femininity—portraying how beauty stems from all the different manifestations of it.

All that is to say that we expect some pretty impactful introspection from Barbie to accompany the glorious pink fashion. Before Greta gives us some new themes to ponder (and changes our lives) with Barbie, let's talk about how each of the March sisters celebrates being girls in their own ways. 

Meg March

The thesis of Meg is, "Just because my dreams are different than yours, doesn't mean they're unimportant." That sentiment is really the centerpiece of who she is. She's unashamedly soft and kind, and her strength is derived from her nurturing nature. Of the sisters, Meg is the most classically romantic. 

Jo March

Meg and Jo are in a sense polar opposites, but they don't oppose each other. Rather, they complement each other (which can be said of all the interpersonal relationships between the March girls). Jo is outspoken, staunchly against marriage and can come across as brash beside her gentle, patient sister. However, there is *no one* more fiercely caring than Jo. Meg is not weak for being kind, and Jo is not cold for being headstrong. Jo's admirable dedication to her family and her writing makes her an organic and authentic representation of an empowered woman, not just an archetype. 

Beth March

Beth March is for the quiet girlies. Beth shows that strength does not come from necessarily being loud, even though her sister Jo does find strength in that. She's introverted and observant, yet her timidity is what makes her so endearing and beloved. Beth proves that shyness is not a sign of lack. 

Amy March

Amy's blunt and energetic. She's bubbly, and (to her disadvantage being the youngest) can seem immature. However, she grows up most dramatically and noticeably of the sisters because we see the development of her deep understanding of the pressures women face or place on themselves. Amy feels the pressure to be talented, marry well, maintain her beauty and much more, and she communicates those constraints of her society with real honesty. While Jo may be the writer of the March sisters, in the film, Jo often shines by what she does for others, whereas Amy shines by what she has to say. Look only to her conversations with Laurie for proof. 

Which March sister do you resonate with most? The reason these characters are so well-constructed and this film is so impressive is because there is really no wrong answer to that question. While we don't yet know everything that Barbie has in store, Little Women being its predecessor is a strong indication of how *amazing* Barbie might just be. 

Can't wait for Barbie? Check out these posts:
👛 The new Barbie trailer and soundtrack lineup just dropped...and we're beyond obsessed
👛 EXCLUSIVE! Ariana Greenblatt told us everything (she could) about the Barbie movie
👛 Your Barbiecore beauty handbook, right this way

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Top image: @emmawatson
Slider image: @tchalamet
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by Kayla Conroy | 7/15/2023