Movie Review: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret
From its opening moments, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” announces itself as something special. The title, instantly recognizable to generations of Judy Blume readers, carries a promise — that this film will, at minimum, provide safe entertainment and, at its best, deliver genuinely heartfelt coming-of-age storytelling. Remarkably, the adaptation delivers on both counts, creating a viewing experience that feels simultaneously nostalgic and freshly relevant.
Set primarily in suburban New Jersey circa 1970, the film follows eleven-year-old Margaret Simon (Abby Ryder Fortson) as she navigates the tumultuous transition from childhood to adolescence. Newly uprooted from her familiar Manhattan existence to the less cosmopolitan suburbs, Margaret finds herself confronting the universal milestones of pre-teen existence: the anticipation of physical development, the complexities of new friendships, and the fundamental questions about identity and belief.
Director Kelly Fremon Craig meticulously recreates the period setting with loving attention to detail. From the immaculately chosen wardrobe to the thoughtfully designed living spaces and the perfectly curated soundtrack, every element contributes to an authentic immersion in Margaret’s 1970s reality. These production choices aren’t merely aesthetic — they create a world that feels simultaneously specific to its era and timelessly relatable.
Perhaps the film’s greatest strength lies in the elegant simplicity of its screenplay. Rather than burdening its narrative with unnecessarily complex plot developments or distracting contemporary social issues, the script remains focused on the essential, universal experiences of adolescence. The storytelling approach feels deliberately old-fashioned in the best possible way — concerned with fundamental human experiences rather than scoring points in current cultural debates.
This refreshing straightforwardness allows the film to address its themes — physical development, religious identity, family dynamics, and female friendship — with disarming honesty. The result is a narrative that feels both specific to Margaret’s experience and universal in its emotional resonance, creating numerous moments of recognition for viewers of all ages.
Anchoring the film is an exceptional ensemble cast delivering performances of remarkable authenticity. Abby Ryder Fortson shines as Margaret, capturing both the character’s endearing awkwardness and her fierce determination with engaging aplomb. Fortson navigates complex emotional terrain with remarkable naturalism, making Margaret’s journey feel genuinely lived rather than performed.
Equally impressive is Rachel McAdams as Barbara Simon, Margaret’s mother. McAdams delivers a deliciously nuanced performance that reveals the complexities beneath the surface of 1970s motherhood. Her Barbara is simultaneously a product of her time and quietly rebellious against its limitations — a woman navigating her own evolving identity while supporting her daughter through similar transitions. McAdams inhabits the role so completely that she nearly steals focus from the titular protagonist, creating a fully realized character whose journey parallels and complements Margaret’s own.
Rounding out the central family dynamic is Kathy Bates as Sylvia, Margaret’s grandmother. Bates brings her signature commanding presence to the role, delivering sharp-witted quips with perfect timing while revealing the deep affection beneath her character’s occasionally brusque exterior. Her scenes with Fortson capture the special bond between grandparent and grandchild with heartwarming authenticity.
What makes “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” particularly effective is its ability to find the universal in the specific. Though set firmly in 1970 and centered on experiences unique to female adolescence, the film’s emotional core — the search for identity, the navigation of changing family dynamics, the quest for belonging — resonates regardless of age or gender. The film’s willingness to approach these themes with unflinching honesty creates numerous moments of recognition that transcend its period setting.
In an era when coming-of-age stories often feel compelled to address every contemporary social issue, there’s something refreshingly focused about this film’s approach. By honing in on the essential experiences of adolescence — the questions, anxieties, and small triumphs that define this transitional period — the film achieves a timeless quality that more overtly “relevant” stories often miss.
“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling that prioritizes emotional honesty over narrative complexity. Its authentic period setting, straightforward but brilliant script, and uniformly excellent performances combine to create a film that feels both nostalgic for a simpler time and remarkably relevant to contemporary conversations about growing up.
For viewers of all ages — those revisiting their own adolescent experiences and those still navigating them — this adaptation of Judy Blume’s beloved novel offers something increasingly rare in contemporary cinema: a genuinely heartfelt exploration of growing up that neither condescends to its young audience nor oversimplifies the complexities of adolescence for adult viewers. It’s a delicate balance, masterfully achieved. 7.5/10
