Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret – A Strong Coming-of-Age Adaptation (Early Review)

In a world saturated with technology and social media, few authors have been able to reach the new generation and convert children into readers. Despite publishing the bulk of her writing decades ago, Judy Blume is one of the few authors whose work has transcended generations and made a profound impact on children and young adults alike. Out of all her work, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret stands out as her most important work and one that was considerably ahead of its time and will forever continue to be a relevant and relatable story. After 53 years, the novel is finally being adapted into a feature length film that is hitting theatres shortly.

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret also marks the sophomore effort from writer/director Kelly Fremont Craig. Her directorial debut, The Edge of Seventeen, was widely considered one of the best coming-of-age films of the past decade and many fans have been eagerly awaiting her follow-up ever since.

Newcomer Abby Ryder Fortson is sensational as eleven-year-old Margaret Simon. When Margaret moves from New York City to the New Jersey Suburbs, she enters sixth grade at a brand new school and is forced to make new friends and navigate early adolescent anxieties. As a child of a Christian mother Barbara (McAdams) and Jewish father Herb (Benny Safdie), Margaret turns to God to get her through these tumultuous times while trying to figure out her own religious affiliations.

It was clear with the Edge of Seventeen that Kelly Fremont Craig is gifted at authentically portraying the highs and lows of adolescent life and the struggles of finding your footing in the world. She is fantastic at bridging the gap between generations, and telling a story in a way that feels universal to everyone regardless of when or where they grew up.

Just like the novel it’s adapted from, the film effectively explores the awkwardness that comes along with early adolescence, especially for girls, from first crushes, to puberty, to the difficulty of fitting in a new school. Not since Eighth Grade have audiences seen such an honest portrayal of middle school life. Not only is the film warm and optimistic, it also doesn’t shy away from how difficult this time can be for both children and their parents.

While the majority of the film does a great job capturing the magic of its source material, it unfortunately doesn’t quite stick the landing. The film hints towards an emotionally resonant climax that occurs but narrowly misses the mark. It feels somewhat rushed and Margaret’s story doesn’t wrap up in a satisfying fashion.

Regardless, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is a very special coming-of-age film that and a must watch for children approaching middle school age. It’s a relatable, funny and genuinely impactful adaptation that successfully captures what makes the novel such a timeless classic.

still courtesy of Lionsgate

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Tristan French