“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is a film written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, based on the classic novel by Judy Blume. It stars Abby Ryder Fortson, Rachel McAdams and Kath Bates.
The movie is a charming and nostalgic story about the transition into adolescence. It is a recreation of the 70s, a journey through time.
The plot revolves around an 11-year-old girl named Margaret who faces a new future in New Jersey.
About the movie
The movie maintains a charming tone without being overly sentimental. This is achieved through a great script, the respect for the original story, and the appropriate pacing. Additionally, the film features great actresses who deliver inspired performances.
Kelly Fremon Craig is an expert in coming-of-age comedies, having directed titles like “The Edge of Seventeen” (2016) and “Post Grad” (2009). She knows how to maintain the tone and lets the great actresses do what they do best: act. She does not force the characters, but lets the story grow alongside the protagonist. Her direction is not invisible, but it is intelligent enough to not interfere with the structure or intentions of the novel.
Successfully, the film confronts two challenging questions. On the one hand, we have the delicate issue of religious identity, addressed with ease and elegance at a time when what is politically correct censors what is politically real. On the other hand, the pressure of adapting a literary classic under the judicious gaze of countless fans who love the Judy Blume book on which the film is based. The movie tells a well-balanced story that makes the audience feel good. It delivers a lot of things in a seemingly simple and natural way without forcing anything.
It would have been easy to turn this charming story into something ridiculous, but it is really difficult to turn this complex and simple story into something natural. The movie achieves this flawlessly.
Our Opinion
“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is a charming and well-balanced movie that is well-directed and better performed. It is a worthy adaptation of a cult novel that deserved a movie of its caliber.
It is a movie worth watching and enjoying.
Director
Kelly Fremon-Craig (born January 1, 1981) is an American screenwriter, producer, and film director. She is known for directing, writing, and co-producing the 2016 coming-of-age dramedy The Edge of Seventeen.
The Cast
Abby Ryder Fortson
Kathy Bates
Rachel McAdams
Benny Safdie
Elle Graham
Amari Alexis
Katherine Mallen Kupferer