Amidst growing concerns over gun violence, cyberbullying, and the pressure to send explicit photos, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. is a refreshing throwback to a simpler era. Based on Judy Blume’s 1970 novel, the film adaptation by writer/director Kelly Fremon Craig presents a more innocent time where young girls giggle at pictures of penises in anatomy books and compare their growing bodies to those in Playboy.
The story follows Margaret (played by Abby Ryder Fortson) and her family as they move from the city to the suburbs. The transition isn’t just physical, it also sparks internal changes within Margaret and the women in her family. As Margaret goes through the typical rites of passage like getting a bra, experiencing her first period, and kissing boys in closets, she also questions her religion in the context of her parents’ interfaith marriage.
A Cast of Endearing Characters
Abby Ryder Fortson plays an endearing Margaret, while Rachel McAdams and Benny Safdie portray her parents in an interfaith marriage. McAdams delivers a heartfelt and likable performance, and Safdie offers a convincing portrayal of a father struggling to connect with his daughter. Kathy Bates shines as Margaret’s grandmother, providing commanding and nuanced notes that add a quietly feminist touch to the film.
Overall, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. offers a nostalgic and heartwarming look at coming of age in a simpler time. With a talented cast and a thoughtful exploration of religion and family, this film is a must-see for anyone looking for a break from the noise of modern life.
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