Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. is a sincere and heartfelt adaptation of Judy Blume’s popular book. Lots of coming of age humor and a throwback to what will always feel like a simpler time help anchor this one. A well chosen ensemble cast bring every word to life, and help make this a perfect mother-daughter date to the theater.
When her family moves from the city to the suburbs, 11-year-old Margaret (Abby Ryder Fortson) navigates new friends, feelings, and the beginning of adolescence. In theaters April 28, 2023 Rated PG-13 for thematic material involving sexual education and some suggestive material
Abby Ryder Fortson is a fantastic Margaret. Every action feels organic, and her emotions are never over dramatized. She approaches each scene with a calm intellect which seems to mirror Margaret’s personality. Often it is her reacting to those around her more than leading the charge.
I have never been an 11-year old girl. I have also never read this book. But from watching the film I get the feeling that there are things in both that are so relatable to every young female then and now. The story is set in the 1970s which gives the story and the characters more opportunity to explore and question. Today everything is a finger tap away which feels like a loss to innocence and communal discovery.
We watch Margaret tackle several pubescent challenges from her first bra, making new friends, to how to kiss a boy. These are common to all of us in one form or another. One of my favorite parts of the story and Margaret’s journey is her questioning of God and religion. It is approached with a child like faith, but also with knowledge and wisdom. Often we take what our parents tell us and move on. She doesn’t have that luxury due to her family’s decision to not embrace any form of established religion. This mission is a powerful part of the narrative, and the sweetest.
Rachel McAdams plays Margaret’s mother Barbara. Barb is also having a few Suburban acclimation issues. She juggles motherhood, volunteer, and bored housewife while never losing site of her daughter. My favorite character is Margaret’s grandmother Sylvia (Kathy Bates). They have a very special relationship and one that will instantly cause you to remember your grandparents in some form.
The fact that as an adult male I found Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. endearing and nostalgic, I can only imagine how it will resonate with moms and daughters. fans of the book will love seeing the characters brought to life, and embrace the timeless lessons taught.
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