ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET. REVIEW

 *MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Based on Judy Blume’s 1970 novel of the same name, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret succeeds in capturing the realties of becoming a teenager through its main character, Margaret Simon (Abby Ryder Fortson) who, not only has to deal with making the transition from child to teen, but also a new home and a different school when her and her parents, Barbara (Rachel McAdams), and Herbert (Benny Safdie), move from New York City to New Jersey. It doesn’t take long Margaret to make friends with Nancy Wheeler (Elle Graham), Janie Looms (Amari Alexis Price) and Gretchen Potter (Katherine Mallen Kupferer), who are all excited about the prospect of growing older, wearing bras, kissing boys and getting their first period, much to Margaret’s horror. 

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is directed by Kelly Fremon Craig who impressed with her original teen comedy, The Edge of Seventeen, which was released in 2016 and starred Hailee Steinfeld as a high school student who falls out with her best friend after she begins dating her older brother. Critics praised Fremon Craig’s “sharp script” and Steinfeld’s “outstanding” performance. With her adaptation of Blume’s popular novel, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, Fremon Craig continues to impress with her skills as a filmmaker. Like the book, the film captures the realties of becoming and being a teenager in the 1970s. This is probably the most awkward stage of someone’s life, especially for a young girl, as they have to adjust to changes with their body and the start of the menstrual cycle. The film will, most likely, resonate more with teen girls and women who will be able to relate to Margaret’s situation, however, there’s no reason why other people out of that group won’t enjoy it as everyone has been a teenager. On the critic consensus website, Rotten Tomatoes, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. 99% of 167 critics who watched it gave it a positive rating, with only two negative ratings. Because of how highly divisive most films are, this is an impressive response from critics.

The casting is a standout aspect of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.. Both Rachel McAdams and Kathy Bates provide memorable supporting roles as Margaret’s mother, Barbara, and her affectionate grandmother, Sylvia. The former portrays Barbara as a loving mother who helps Margaret through the awkward stage of her life. She also gets involved in most of the extracurricular activities and becomes friends with Nancy’s mother, Jan (Kate MacCluggage). Bates is equally as impressive as Margaret’s grandmother, Sylvia. The scenes where Margaret visits Sylvia is where the film is at its most heartwarming as their close relationship is captured. As great as McAdams and Bates are, it’s Ryder Fortson who stands out with her performance as Margaret. Marvel fans may recognise her from her role as Scott Lang’s daughter, Cassie, in the Ant-Man franchise, however, her role as Margaret proves that Fortson Ryder is a talented actor whose honest portrayal makes the main character easy to relate to and even easier to like.  

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. is the type of film I wish I had in my teen years. What I found most refreshing was it that doesn’t shy away from the often taboo subject of puberty, which is, unfortunately, seen as a dirty word in today’s society and something a lot of parents don’t talk to their children about, which is sad as it’s something that we all inevitably go through. It normalises all of the side effects of being a teenager, including buying your first bra and getting your period. It also states that all bodies are different but still normal. Because her friends get their periods before her, Margaret becomes increasingly frustrated and feels like the odd one out. This is what makes her such a relatable character as I’m sure that, during our teen years, we all compared ourselves to our friends. There’s no denying that Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. is one of the best coming of age films to be released recently as, although it’s set in the 70s, its themes are still relevant today. 

8/10