Film Review — Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret

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Abstract

r Barbara (Rachel McAdams) is from a Christian background, she regularly prays to God, begging for him to get her period so she doesn’t feel so out of place with her contemporaries.Brilliantly performed by Abby Ryder Forston, Margaret is a wonderful, hugely likeable protagonist. Her worries and hang-ups are universal, and not exclusively female. For instance, when asking why she’s never met her mother’s parents, Margaret is horrified to learn they disapproved of her marrying someone Jewish and disowned their daughter. On the other hand, she has a great relationship with her grandmother on her father’s side, Sylvia (a brilliant Kathy Bates). Encouraged by her kindly teacher Mr Benedict (Echo Kellum) to make religion the topic of her school project, Margaret investigates Judaism and Christianity, trying to find God in both, but winds up more confused than ever, especially as he doesn’t seem to be answering her prayers about getting her period.This could have easily slid into mawkishness and sentimentality, but strong performances, a great script with plenty of laughs, and smart, subtle direction elevate this into something special. Hans Zimmer contributes a nostalgic music score, and speaking of nostalgia, there are several w

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ell-chosen pop songs from the time used to good effect. Yet at the heart of it all is a believable, heartwarming mother-daughter relationship, with two excellent central performances. I’ve already mentioned Fortson, but McAdams is equally worthy of special praise, especially in emotional scenes concerning her estranged parents.All in all, this is a gem of a film, and one of the best I’ve seen this year. I give it top marks. Do go and see it.(Originally published at Simon Dillon Books.)If you’re a not a Medium member and want unlimited access to my work (and that of numerous other talented writers) <a href="https://simondillon.medium.com/membership">click here to upgrade to full Medium membership</a>. This is an affiliate link. I receive financial incentives for new referrals, so sign-ups are hugely appreciated. Thank you.<h1 id="29e0">The Dillon Empire beyond Medium</h1>Can I tempt you with exclusive previews of my short stories and novels? Or do you just want to see awkward videos of me attempting to provide writing updates whilst my son adds snarky captions? If so, <a href="https://www.patreon.com/simondillon">click here to check out my Patreon page</a>.</article></body>

Judy Blume’s coming-of-age classic gets an excellent adaptation from Kelly Fremon Craig.

Credit: Lionsgate

There’s something particularly joyful about films that make you feel better coming out of the cinema than you did going in. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret has that extra-dimensional feel-good factor. I’ve not read the Judy Blume book, so I have no point of comparison, but the film is a lovely piece of work; a warm, funny, poignant, bittersweet coming-of-age tale, smartly adapted and directed by The Edge of Seventeen director Kelly Fremon Craig.

Even without having read the book, I can see why this story has timeless appeal. In New Jersey circa 1970, twelve-year-old Margaret (Abby Ryder Fortson) faces the challenge of a new school, making new friends, attraction to boys, and the onset of puberty. Or rather, the lack of onset, as so far, not much has happened. Even though she is undecided on matters of faith, since her father Herb (Benny Safdie) is Jewish, and her mother Barbara (Rachel McAdams) is from a Christian background, she regularly prays to God, begging for him to get her period so she doesn’t feel so out of place with her contemporaries.

Brilliantly performed by Abby Ryder Forston, Margaret is a wonderful, hugely likeable protagonist. Her worries and hang-ups are universal, and not exclusively female. For instance, when asking why she’s never met her mother’s parents, Margaret is horrified to learn they disapproved of her marrying someone Jewish and disowned their daughter. On the other hand, she has a great relationship with her grandmother on her father’s side, Sylvia (a brilliant Kathy Bates). Encouraged by her kindly teacher Mr Benedict (Echo Kellum) to make religion the topic of her school project, Margaret investigates Judaism and Christianity, trying to find God in both, but winds up more confused than ever, especially as he doesn’t seem to be answering her prayers about getting her period.

This could have easily slid into mawkishness and sentimentality, but strong performances, a great script with plenty of laughs, and smart, subtle direction elevate this into something special. Hans Zimmer contributes a nostalgic music score, and speaking of nostalgia, there are several well-chosen pop songs from the time used to good effect. Yet at the heart of it all is a believable, heartwarming mother-daughter relationship, with two excellent central performances. I’ve already mentioned Fortson, but McAdams is equally worthy of special praise, especially in emotional scenes concerning her estranged parents.

All in all, this is a gem of a film, and one of the best I’ve seen this year. I give it top marks. Do go and see it.

(Originally published at Simon Dillon Books.)

If you’re a not a Medium member and want unlimited access to my work (and that of numerous other talented writers) click here to upgrade to full Medium membership. This is an affiliate link. I receive financial incentives for new referrals, so sign-ups are hugely appreciated. Thank you.