Movie Review: 'Are You There God It's Me Margaret'

Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret (2023)

Directed by Kelly Fremon Craig

Written by Kelly Fremon Craig

Starring Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, Abby Ryder Fortson, Benny Safdie

Release Date April 28th, 2023

Published May 2nd, 2023

So, I didn't get the memo regarding Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret. Having missed my critics screening a few weeks ago, I saw the film at a public screening, unaware of my apparent massive faux pas. That being, being a man seeing this movie. After having watched and enjoyed this lovely, sweet, funny coming of age story, I was informed that a woman at my screening had complained that a 'Creep' had attended the screening. Said 'Creep' was me. Being a single man seeing the film alone and sitting in the only available seat in the front row, I had been identified as a creep.

Upon reflection, I guess I understand. This is a movie about a young woman discovering her body for the first time as she comes of age as a woman. Why would this appeal to a single man is not an unreasonable question. I will admit, the subject matter is not relatable to my experience. That said, I would think that encouraging men to see a movie with this kind of sensitivity and understanding toward the experiences of young women is not a bad thing. In fact, if more men gave a movie like this a chance, it might help them understand their partners, mothers, sisters and daughters a little more.

Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret, awkwardly but sweetly illustrates the kinds of things that young women experience but don't like talking about, especially with the men in their lives. But it's also a movie that invites you to try and understand the struggle of young women and that's valuable information for everyone. It's especially valuable when the story is this well told. Writer-Director Kelly Fremon Craig has crafted a warm, sensitive, unrelenting story of teenage womanhood, a story filled with humor and charm.

Abby Ryder Fortson stars as Margaret, a 12 year old girl who has just learned that she's leaving her home in New York City for the suburbs of New Jersey. It's a jarring shift in geography as it means changing schools and losing touch with friends. Worst of all, it means being separated from Margaret's beloved grandma, Sylvia (Kathy Bates), a rock and a fount of humor and wisdom that is an irreplaceable part of young Margaret's existence. Nevertheless, they will have to get by with daily phone calls and a few weekend bus trips to the big city.

Upon arriving in the suburbs of Jersey, Margaret is snapped up by fellow 6th grader Nancy (Elle Graham), who decides that her new neighbor is now her friend and part of her secret club with two other fellow sixth graders. Together they will navigate the travails of being in the sixth grade including an new teacher, their first boy-girl party, and crushes on boys that they share from their Boy Journals. Nancy's pushiness eventually creates a rift between her and Margaret but, for a time, Margaret enjoys feeling welcome in this foreign place.

The most talked about aspect of Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret, outside of the girl's getting their first period, is Margaret's struggle with faith. Yes, Margaret talks to God, as the title implies, but she's mostly at a crossroads when it comes to faith. Margaret's loving mother, Barbara, played wonderfully by Rachel McAdams, and her father, played by Benny Safdie, come from different religious backgrounds. They agreed long ago to allow Margaret to choose her own religion. But, they didn't count on pressure from each of their extended families to create such a massive conflict for Margaret.

This is all deftly and beautifully handled by writer-director Kelly Fremon Craig who manages to keep a light and measured tone even as big dramatic questions emerge. With star Abby Ryder Fortson, Fremon Craig pulls off a terrific trick of taking Margaret's conflict seriously, treating her confusion and fear with great care, while also remaining funny and light-hearted throughout. It's not an easy tone to maintain but the film pulls it off with charm to spare. That's in large part due to Abby Ryder Fortson whose wonderfully authentic and smart performance is the big, beautiful heart of Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret.

Regardless of your gender or background, Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret is a charmer. The film is so smart and sweet and exceptionally well-acted. I especially want to shout out Kathy Bates who is a scene stealer as Margaret's grandmother. Bates steals scenes with the same effortless flair with which she's stolen so many movies before, from Titanic to Primary Colors to About Schmidt. Here, she steals scenes without resorting to pandering cliches such as being the 'cool granny' who's hip with the kids. Bates' grandma is just a really great lady who offers wonderful council and is cuddly as well. Kathy Bates is a national treasure.

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