Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.

2023Movie106 minEnglish

When her family moves from New York City to New Jersey, an 11-year-old girl navigates new friends, feelings, and the beginning of adolescence.

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Insights

IMDb7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes99%
Metacritic88
Google Users97%
Director: Kelly Fremon CraigGenres: Comedy, Drama, Family

Plot Summary

Margaret Simon, a sixth-grader, moves from New York City to New Jersey after her father gets a new job. Struggling to fit in and adapt to her new school, she grapples with friendships, boys, and the bewildering onset of puberty. Margaret also navigates her unique spiritual journey, conversing with God about her anxieties and desires as she tries to understand herself and her place in the world.

Critical Reception

The film was widely acclaimed by critics for its heartfelt adaptation, sensitive portrayal of adolescence, and strong performances, particularly from its young lead. It resonated with both critics and audiences for its honest and relatable depiction of a girl's coming-of-age experience.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its faithful and sensitive adaptation of the beloved novel.
  • Celebrated for its authentic and nuanced portrayal of a young girl's experiences with puberty and identity.
  • Lauded for outstanding performances, especially from Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret.

Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly loved the film, highlighting its emotional resonance, relatable themes of growing up, and excellent casting. Many appreciated its honest approach to sensitive topics and found it to be a touching and affirming experience.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the Academy Awards, and won numerous awards and nominations from critics' circles and various film festivals.

Fun Fact

The filmmakers made a conscious effort to update some elements of the story for a modern audience while staying true to the spirit of Judy Blume's original novel, for example, by incorporating social media into Margaret's life.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

6 reviews
Alunauwie

Alunauwie

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret is a heartfelt coming-of-age film that explores the relatable journey of a young girl navigating puberty, friendships, and spiritual identity. While the story flows smoothly and offers valuable life less...
Manuel São Bento

Manuel São Bento

FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ www.firstshowing.net/2023/review-are-you-there-god-its-me-margaret-is-a-pleasant-surprise/ "ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET stands out as a triumph in the coming-of-age subgenre. Its refusal to shy away fr...
badelf

badelf

If I didn't know better, I'd think this was a Neil Simon play. But I'm not a girl and in my youth I read Hardy Boys, not Judy Blume. The movie is very well done. Abby Ryder Fortson does one helluva job with the lead role. It's a littl...
badelf

badelf

If I didn't know better, I'd think this was a Neil Simon play. But I'm not a girl and in my youth I read Hardy Boys, not Judy Blume. The movie is very well done. Abby Ryder Fortson does one helluva job with the lead role. It's a littl...
Louisa Moore - Screen Zealots

Louisa Moore - S...

“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is one of the first books I remember reading where I felt like the author really understood what it was like to be me. Judy Blume’s beloved book has been considered a rite of passage for many young gir...
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

The engaging Abby Ryder Fortson is on strong form here as the eponymous girl who finds herself shifted by her parents to live across the Hudson in New Jersey. Now they are an happy family: mum "Barbara" (Rachel McAdams) and dad "Herb" (Benn...