Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret - A Movie Review

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Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret is a 2023 film adaptation based on the 1970 novel by Judy Blume. 11-year-old Margaret moves from New York City to the suburbs of New Jersey. This adjustment isn’t easy as Margaret attends a new school, understands religion, and experiences puberty.

I read Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret, when I was in middle school. A decade later, I was bouncing off the walls excited when I learned it was finally becoming a movie. The movie adaptation of Judy Blume’s influential novel does not disappoint, discerning adolescent themes most women audiences relate to.

Margaret is like every girl her age. Figuring out the world and herself, 11 years old is a weird age. Experiencing an assortment of feelings, Margaret struggles to deal with her emotions. Abby Ryder Fortson did a tremendous job in her interpretation of the character. Fortson was commendable in her reactions to situations.

Margaret’s parents (Rachel McAdams and Benny Safdie) were somewhat sidelined in the book. They are developed more for the movie. Rachel McAdams was the perfect choice for Margaret’s mother, Barbara. Barbara also has a coming-of-age tale but as an adult. I loved the scenes with Margaret and her mother.

The casting was spot-on for the movie. Kathy Bates made the best grandma! Grandma Sylvia is a headstrong woman who wants what’s best for her grandchild. I loved Bate’s excited reaction when Margaret asked to join her at the Temple.

Elle Graham, Amari Alexis Price, and Katherine Mallen Kupferer were terrific as Margaret’s friends. Their scenes were hilarious as they talked about boys, understanding puberty, and creating rituals to increase their busts.

Kelly Fremon Craig deserves acclaim for her faithful adaption of Judy Blume’s novel. This film is designed for the target audience. The film is paced well. No significant changes were made. The movie takes place in the 70s instead of adjusting the story to modern times. It’s not narrated in a bland storytelling format. It balances the character and her journey.

Craig worked well with the entire cast, especially with the kid actors. Interactions were examined closely. Focusing on the book’s most significant elements, she studied topics like puberty and religion with close intentions.

The menstrual cycle is the story’s central topic. Judy Blume’s book was banned due to discussing this topic. More films have portrayed the menstrual cycle in the last few years. The menstrual cycle is not a harmful topic! We need to talk about these topics.

Where was this movie when I was 11 years old? Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret is a film that all young women need. Growing up is not easy. The cringe moments were necessary. This movie is a positive example for young girls. If anyone has trouble finding the words, this film is an advocate.

I expected a younger audience of teens and 20-year-olds. To my surprise, there was more of an older crowd present. It was then that I realized this book was published in the 70s. Different generations grew up reading this book.

Unlike myself, certain audiences have waited 50 years to see a movie adaptation of Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret. This sentiment made my experience all the more memorable. I sat with different generations of women laughing at relatable themes or sitting in silence. We all have similar stories.

You must see Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret. It’s an endearing movie. Seeing this movie is an experience that I will never forget.