“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” Review

Rachel McAdams (Left) and Abby Ryder Fortson bring so much believable humor to the most awkward of social situations in “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” The film adapts the classic 1970 novel by Judy Blume.

I’ve certainly had a good time at the movies this year and I’ve seen quite a few good films. Films that I’ve given four or four-and-a-half stars to on my Letterboxd account, because of course I have a Letterboxd account, like “Creed III,” “Air” and “John Wick: Chapter 4.” Now, I have found the first five star film of the year. A film that I think is just wonderful in every way. And wouldn’t you know, it’s the adaptation of Judy Blume’s incredible novel, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” 

In 1970, 12-year-old Margaret Simon (Abby Ryder Fortson) is experiencing adolescence with a slew of issues being presented to her. She finds out that she and her parents (Rachel McAdams and Benny Safdie) are moving from New York City to New Jersey (which got the biggest groan from my Upper West Side audience), goes on a quest to discover a religious identity with her dad being Jewish and her mom being Christian and talks to God for advice on what's going on in her life. On top of all that, Margaret feels alienated from the rest of her classmates because she feels that her journey through puberty isn’t going the way it should. Over the course of one school year, Margaret will confront tough truths as she looks at the world she’s in and decides what place she wants to have in it. 

The interesting thing is that many people have wanted to turn Judy Blume’s classic and controversial novel into a film and she rejected them every time. I don’t blame her because most directors back then, especially if they were men, would probably have distilled the story to seem more palatable. Can you imagine a 1980s film adaptation that tried to cater to a Reagan-era America and Moral Majority bullshit? Neither can I. 

Fortunately, this book found the perfect people to bring it to life over 50 years after its initial publication. Writer/Director Kelly Fremon Craig, who previously helmed the fantastic teen dramedy “The Edge of Seventeen,” is brilliant with her interpretation of the book. In fact, Fremon Craig has made one of those rare book adaptations that manages to be better than the source material. And that’s not just my opinion, that’s also Judy Blume’s so take that literary purists. 

With great established talents like Kathy Bates (Left) and incredible new voices like Abby Ryder Fortson, this film is excellent with its use of character and humor.

As director, Fremon Craig brings the sensitivity and grace that this story deserves and is able to capture the atmosphere of 1970 by utilizing an incredible production. However, whether you grew up when the book first came out or are discovering this story for the first time, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is told in a timeless manner that does justice to Blume’s outstanding book. 

As Margaret, Abby Ryder Fortson is unbelievable. While Fortson isn’t an unknown, having portrayed the daughter of Paul Rudd’s shrinking superhero in “Ant-Man” and “Ant-Man and The Wasp,” it’s so great to see her take on a more grounded role that allows her to show off more of her range. Margaret is shown in every light a compelling character should be. She’s empathetic, curious and sweet but she can also have moments of self-doubt and cruelty. Fortson brings so much humanity to the role and never once gives this character an ounce of fake Hollywood precociousness. 

So much of the film handles topics that even adults have a hard time dealing with, instead suppressing them with blank ignorance or good, ol’ fashioned beatings, including religious differences, early sexuality, puberty, menstruation and one’s relationship with God. But that’s not what the film is about. Sure, they’re important elements of the story but this is ultimately a coming-of-age story and Fortson handles this with such skill. Hell, I think that Fortson should be considered for a Best Actress Oscar nomination. I don’t care who else wants a nomination because none of them have had to say, on camera, “we must, we must, we must increase our bust!” Eat your heart out Meryl Streep! 

Throughout the entire film, there’s the perfect mix of sincerity and humor. So much wit is infused in the script with Fremon Craig and Blume’s writing being perfectly matched. Not only is the film incredibly funny, but so many of the emotional moments hit so well. When I went to see the film in theaters, I was so glad to see that not only was my theater packed, but that many attendees brought their children to see the film. This is the kind of film that children will need to see because, like the book, it understands their struggles. 

I have a feeling that some might wonder, “should boys see this film?” Absolutely! As a 22-year-old man, I think it’s safe to say that I’m not necessarily the target demographic for this film and the original novel. However, you can still appreciate the common struggles for acceptance and become immersed in this story of childhood. 

Along with Fortson, the rest of the film’s cast is excellent with Benny Safdie and Rachel McAdams having such a warm presence as Margaret’s parents. In particular, McAdams has some of the most emotionally resonant scenes of the film and it’s one of her best roles. There’s not one unbelievable child actor in the whole film. Everyone feels like those kids you knew in middle school and, like in middle school, they all are capable of being wonderful and terrible on the same day. And then there’s Kathy Bates, who steals every scene she’s in because she’s Kathy Bates. She’s just wonderful. That’s the law. 

When you look at the history of film, there’s many films that, even when they’re good, you can take a look at and say “you couldn’t make that today.” While I have my contention with this phrase, I get why it exists. But then there’s the inverse, “you couldn’t make this back then.” “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is one of those films. After being embroiled in so much controversy, even to this day, the book has endured as an all-time classic and I have a feeling that this film will one day be held in similar esteem. This is a big screen event that you won’t want to miss.