Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret – Judy Blume adaptation is a winner
Today, it is rare to find depictions of preadolescents that truly capture the messy middle ground between childhood and adulthood. Big entertainment tends to favor cutesy kids’ content or edgy high school dramas, often neglecting the profound experiences of adolescence. “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is a refreshing entry into this genre. Directed by Kelly Fremon Craig and based on Judy Blume’s 1970 novel, this film is a stunning evocation of the fear and yearning that come with standing on the precipice of adulthood.
The film follows Margaret Simon, a half-Jewish, half-Christian protagonist who is questioning the existence of God while awaiting salvation via the arrival of her period, and eager to start wearing a bra. Margaret’s experiences are brought to life in this funny-sad adaption, where we see her trying on an absorbent pad or investigating different ways to sport a bra when her body does not require one. The remarkable Abby Ryder Fortson plays Margaret with incandescent depth, conveying her wonder and wariness through subtle gestures like her shoulder slumps and herky-jerks.
The film captures Margaret’s transition from childhood to adulthood and her family’s move from New York City to a New Jersey suburb. Her family members are fully fleshed-out characters, especially her mother, played by Rachel McAdams, who is an empathetic artist struggling to find her footing in the art world. The production design by Steve Saklad and costume design by Ann Roth help create an immersive world that falls somewhere between the pulsating orbit of Mad Men and the sepulchral New York of The Squid and the Whale.
The film doesn’t shy away from the profound issues preteens face, such as menstruation and fitting in. The scenes where Margaret and her friends buy sanitary pads, discuss boys and periods in their secret club meetings, or have their first period in a fancy steakhouse are poignant and genuine. “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is a must-watch for anyone who wants to relive their preteen years or experience the profound moments of adolescence.
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