In 1970, Judy Blume’s novel Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret took the world by storm and would impact generations to come. It’s a timeless coming-of-age story that sees an 11-year-old girl adjust to a new life in the suburbs while going through puberty. Throughout the years, many television shows, authors, and movies would reference Blume’s classic novel. As such, it’s hard to believe that the first film adaptation would come 53 years later (mostly due to rejected offers) considering its noticeable impact on popular culture. But with so much uncertainty and turmoil surrounding sex education for the youth and religious freedom, now seems like the perfect time.
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Kelly Fremon Craig, writer and director of the 2016 hit The Edge of Seventeen, returns to the coming-of-age genre to adapt Blume’s groundbreaking novel. The story follows Margaret (Abby Ryder Fortson) as she’s suddenly uprooted from life in NYC to the suburbs of New Jersey, all while having to adjust to the mayhem of puberty. With the uncompromising support of her artistic mother Barbara (Rachel McAdams), her loving grandmother Sylvia (Kathy Bates), and concerned father Herb (Benny Safdie), Margaret adjusts to life by relying on their unwavering love.

Are You There God? is the type of classic story that fans have been patiently waiting for over the years. With Kelly Fremon Craig as director and screenwriter, it has certainly been worth the wait. With this sensational cast and tender direction, Craig’s follow-up to her debut is damn-near flawless. Specifically, she brings the magic of the novel by incorporating those big life moments and presents them in a way that many can relate to, while causing others to reflect on one’s own experiences. While some coming-of-age films feel contrived and unreasonable, Craig’s instincts to dissect girlhood and religion are sincere, which audiences will have no problem gravitating towards.

One of the best parts of this feature is the authenticity embedded under its natural charm and humor. Girlhood is often terrifying, especially during its various phases like crushes, puberty, and understanding religion. Craig understands this well, as is emphasized through her direction and writing. There’s also a sense of awkwardness that comes with these concepts, but the director delivers them to her audience without judgment and with the added bonus of humor. It’s incredibly effective, no matter who the viewer is, and it makes the watching experience that much more enjoyable.

Kathy Bates and Abby Ryder Fortson in Are You There God?

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is an irresistibly charming and memorable adaptation that is elevated by a great cast. Abby Ryder Fortson, most notable for her role as Cassie Lang in the Ant-Man movies, is simply wonderful as the beloved Margaret Simon. Her layered performance is a standout and is sure to solidify her spot as one of the young actresses one should definitely look out for. Kathy Bates as Sylvia brings some of the humor to this story, and she does so with ease. Finally, Rachel McAdams stuns as Margaret’s mother. Here, she performs through her soul, and it’s so easy to become invested in all her character’s changes thanks to a phenomenal performance.

With a story as timeless as Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, a great film adaptation would only be the next step. Thankfully, Craig captures the magic that so many have fallen in love with over the decades. The story explores the uncertainties of religion, sex education, and girlhood with incredible sincerity and without judgment of any option. What’s more, it beautifully reveals the side to humanity that society often tries to hide with these concepts — but does so with genuineness and care. And that’s what will make this movie as valued as the novel from which it is adapted, and it’s worth every second.

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret releases in theaters on April 28. The film is 105 minutes long and rated PG-13 for sexual education and some suggestive material.