by Christian Grullon, Contributing Writer
Welcome to the 1970s as we transition from New York City to the sunny, suburban setting of New Jersey. It’s in this world that writer/director Kelly Fremon Craig presents her adaptation of Judy Blume’s novel, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.
This is a film especially for the youth who are struggling to contemplate life, friendships, and adolescence. Talk about sensitive subjects; Fremon Craig does not hold them back. “Please don’t let New Jersey be too horrible,” 11-year-old Margaret Simon (Abby Ryder Fortson) says to God as she and her family pack to move to New Jersey. Soon after Margaret and her family settle in the suburbs, she is quickly invited by her new neighbor Nancy (Elle Graham) to run through sprinklers to highlight her adjustment to suburban life. Nancy’s energy is immediately felt and showcased throughout the film, and Margaret is elated when Nancy invites her to join a secret club with peers Gretchen (Katherine Mallen Kupferer) and Janie (Amari Alexis Price).
Margaret starts to feel the total weight of lies, peer pressure, and tension over religious beliefs, family dysfunction, and finding her identity in a society on her shoulders. Born to a Christian mom and Jewish dad, Margaret struggles to pick which religion is right for her, and the film does an excellent job highlighting the confusion young people often feel when growing up in religious households.
Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret is an instant classic that young audiences can look to in learning how to grow up. When the girls’ activities are ruined by Nancy’s brother Evan (Landon S. Baxter) and his friend Moose (Aidan Wojtak-Hissong), the camera focuses on Margaret observing him, clearly showing that she has a crush on him. The movie makes sure that Margaret keeps her heart set on Evan.
The best thing about this film is its unfiltered depiction of the experiences young adolescent girls face during puberty. Tackling mature themes is a strong suit in the movie; scenes address periods, sex, religion, and the childlike desire to fit in with peers. The pacing is a little slow, but it’s strong enough so viewers don’t get lost amidst the storyline and the characters.
Watching Margaret’s journey through life and adolescence is pretty cool. Despite addressing sensitive issues, Craig still finds a way to make the film lovable and funny. Because of its mature themes, it takes a lot of bravery to make a film based on a book that is a no-go for many parents. Craig delivers good pacing, well-thought-out humor, not much crude language, and the harsh realities that young adolescent girls often face in society.
Score: 10/10
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. is currently playing in theaters
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