Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.
Composite Score: 84.27
Starring: Abby Ryder Fortson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, Benny Safdie, Elle Graham, Amari Alexis Price, Katherine Mallen Kupferer, Kate MacCluggage, Aidan Wojtak-Hissong, Echo Kellum, Simms May, Zack Brooks, and Isol Young
Director: Kelly Fremon Craig
Writer: Kelly Fremon Craig
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Family, Coming of Age
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for thematic material involving sexual education and some suggestive material
Box Office: $21.46 million worldwide
Why should you Watch This Film?
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. is Kelly Fremon Craig’s film adaptation of Judy Blume’s novel of the same name about a girl from New York whose family moves to the New Jersey suburbs in 1970 and her journey into self-discovery and adolescence. The film stars Abby Ryder Fortson as the titular Margaret Simon, joined by Rachel McAdams as her mom Barbara and Kathy Bates as her paternal grandmother Sylvia. The film follows Margaret as she makes new friends, goes through the early phases of girlhood adolescence, and discovers her own feelings and beliefs about God and religion, as her parents came from two different traditions (Christian and Jewish) and have not pushed any of that on her up to this point. Its tactful portrayal of Blume’s iconic novel combined with quality production design and strong performances from its three generations of Simon women make for an excellent film adaptation that went criminally underappreciated in 2023’s awards season.
Why shouldn’t you Watch This Film?
The closest I can come to saying something negative about this film is to say that it definitely will resonate more with an AFAB audience, and that’s not me. However, I need to immediately counter that by saying that this is a delightful, fun, funny film about adolescence, friendship, family, and coming-of-age that definitely has something in it for everyone, and I’m glad that it got the positive reception that it did even if that didn’t turn into awards because it means that I get to highlight its greatness here on the blog. As a guy, I wasn’t worried about “increasing my bust” or getting my period as an 11-year-old, but those universal experiences of first crushes, growth spurts, feeling awkward talking about anything with your parents, and mixed-gender birthday parties are all very much things that most audiences should be able to relate to.
So wait, why should you Watch This Film?
Between Blume’s universal story of getting older and the amazing trio of performances at the film’s center, it’s easy to see why this film sits where it does now. Every cringeworthy moment of adolescence is touched by an undeniable realism and humor that recognizes the universality of its story. Margaret’s journey through sixth grade – making friends, learning about religious expressions, watching her parents process their own traumas, and embracing the changes that come with getting older – presents this universal coming-of-age tale that’s simple, light, honest, and resonant. It’s not trying to sugarcoat or gloss over anything, but it’s also not trying to bite off more than it can chew, and it wins its audience over for its straightforward nature.
Accompanying the relatably humorous story are the performances from Abby Ryder Fortson, Rachel McAdams, and Kathy Bates. Bates plays the Simon matriarch with a winning blend of heart, snark, manipulation, and empathy that captures the essence of our lovably problematic predecessors while remaining memorable. McAdams gives arguably the best performance in the film (and one that probably deserved more awards love than it got) as Barbara. She turns what could easily be just another progressive mom character into a fully formed woman with her own compelling story arc and emotional beats that she nails at every turn (credit should also go to Fremon Craig for her writing of the character here as well). She has so many little moments that feel more real and deep than anything I’ve seen from these types of characters before, and it does so much to elevate the film. Finally, without a strong Margaret, who’s willing to fully commit to potential embarrassment at every turn, this film simply doesn’t work, but Abby Ryder Fortson gives a stellar turn as our young protagonist. It’s an enthralling performance that feels just as real as the rest of the film, giving it heart, levity, and development in spades.
The combination of Blume’s universal story and strong acting from Abby Ryder Fortson, Rachel McAdams, and Kathy Bates makes Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. an instant success and a film worthy of a place among the greats. Yes, it’s a film meant to resonate more deeply with girls than with guys, but it has so many pieces that are undeniably universal that anyone should find something to enjoy with it. You can currently stream this film with a Starz subscription or rent it on most streaming platforms if you’d like to check it out.
