It’s 1970, and almost-12-year-old Margaret Simon just got back from summer camp to find boxes all over her family’s cramped NYC apartment. Why, you ask? Well, her grandmother spills the beans before her parents can break the news: they’re moving to Jersey. And so begins the epic adventure at the heart of Judy Blume’s classic novel “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” – now turned into a dope movie adaptation by director-writer Kelly Fremon Craig.
This flick is all about puberty, family, and spiritual growth, and it teaches us that treasured things don’t have to become precious if we handle them with care. The cast is lit – Rachel McAdams and Benny Safdie play Margaret’s young parents, while Kathy Bates nails it as her grandmother Sylvia. But the real MVP is Abby Ryder Fortson, who crushes it as Margaret, delivering a legit funny and totally authentic performance.
Margaret’s journey of self-discovery is made even better by her neighbor and new classmate, Nancy Wheeler (Elle Graham), and her secret club. Along with friends Janie Loomis (Amari Price) and Gretchen Potter (Katherine Kupferer), they obsess over boys, chant a catchy boob mantra, peek at a Playboy, and compare notes on who will be the first to get her period.
The backdrop to this dope coming-of-age story is Farbrook, NJ, which has a nostalgic glow that’ll make you feel all warm and fuzzy. Even though this book was published in 1970 and America was going through some serious issues, the movie doesn’t dwell on that stuff. Instead, it focuses on something way more relatable – growing up and dealing with our changing bodies.
Director Kelly Fremon Craig totally crushes it with this adaptation, transforming Blume’s sweet-natured first-person narration into an overall vibe that’ll give you all the feels. We get to see three generations of Simon women navigate the challenges of growing up – Rachel McAdams plays suburban mom Barbara Simon (below), who’s not totally comfortable with her role. Meanwhile, Kathy Bates‘ Sylvia (above) expands her horizons after Margaret moves away.
The movie also broadens the novel’s scope, with Margaret’s teacher, Mr. Benedict, being Black (just like Janie Loomis). Echo Kellum is legit awesome as the new and sensitive sixth-grade teacher who picks up on Margaret’s response to a questionnaire and turns it into a year-long assignment.
Most of the flick’s laughs come from puberty-related stuff, but there’s some real depth, too – like Margaret’s search for meaning in the world and her belief in a God she’s not even sure exists. And when Barbara is thrown by Margaret’s plan to go to the “temple” with Sylvia, it leads to a super powerful scene that’ll give you all the feels.
So, if you’re into movies that make you laugh, cry, and feel all the feels, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is a must-see. Grab some popcorn, kick back, and enjoy the ride!
Directed by Kelly Fremon Craig
Writing Credits Kelly Fremon Craig (written for the screen by)
Based on the book by Judy Blume
Cast
Abby Ryder Fortsonm as Margaret Simon
Rachel McAdams as Barbara Simon
Kathy Bates as Sylvia Simon
Benny Safdie as Herb Simon
Elle Graham as Nancy Wheeler