Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret

 

Puberty sucks!

Yes, it’s been more decades than I’d like to admit since I’ve had to deal with it, but growing up in general and puberty specifically was rough.  The awkwardness, insecurity, changing body, and so much more.  Judy Blume captured it brilliantly in her 1970 book Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret and Kelly Fremon Craig has picked up the mantle and delivered the movie adaptation brilliantly.

As previously stated, it’s been more than a minute since I was a pubescent girl, but Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret still hits and hits hard.  Throughout the hour forty-five-minute film I not only believed every moment Abby Ryder Forston’s portrayal of Margaret Simon, but I also felt it.  Felt it and had literal flashbacks of going through the same experiences.  The laughter, the tears, the embarrassment, and the friendships. Forston nailed it all with razor sharp precision that grounds the story and brings the film to life.

Rachel McAdams shines as mom Barbara Simon, but for me it’s Kathy Bates’ grandma Sylvia Simon that really lights up the screen and steals every scene she’s in.  The warmth, the comedic timing, the drama!  Bates is perfect, loveable, and fun no matter how exasperating.  

The set design, costumes, and music bring the 70s to life for better or worse as the case may be and the resulting nostalgia/familiarity serves as another warm hug.

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret doesn’t do anything new or extreme.  The story remains the same and has just as much impact as ever.  Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret stays true to its roots and therein lies its perfection.  I laughed. I teared up. I remembered. I was thankful, entertained, and left the theater thoughtful and happy.  

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret gets a 10 from me.

#areyoutheregoditsmemargaret