Discovering who you are is a journey that lasts a lifetime.|Apr. 27, 2023|USA|106 Min.|PG-13
Genre: Comedy;Drama
Description: “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is a 2023 film based on the 1970 middle-grade novel by Judy Blume. The story follows Margaret Simon, an 11-year-old girl navigating the challenges of adolescence while grappling with questions about faith and identity. Raised without a religious affiliation due to her parents’ interfaith marriage, Margaret frequently prays to God, beginning with the phrase, “Are you there God? It’s me, Margaret.”
When her family moves from New York City to the New Jersey suburbs, Margaret faces new experiences and friendships. She befriends Nancy, a confident and knowledgeable neighbor, and together with their friends Gretchen and Janie, they form a secret club called the Pre-Teen Sensations. The club becomes a safe space for the girls to discuss topics like boys, bras, and menstruation, as they anxiously await their first periods and even engage in exercises to “increase their bust,” chanting, “We must—We must—We must increase our bust!”
Margaret’s search for religious identity becomes a central theme as she explores different faiths for a school assignment. Accompanied by her Jewish grandmother, who hopes Margaret will embrace Judaism, she attends various places of worship, seeking clarity about her beliefs. The story resonates with its relatable portrayal of the anxieties and uncertainties of growing up, making it a timeless coming-of-age tale.
The novel has been praised for its honest depiction of adolescent issues, though it has also faced challenges due to its candid discussions of sexuality and religion. Judy Blume has shared that while the story is not autobiographical, she felt a deep connection to Margaret, drawing parallels to her own childhood experiences and personal relationship with God. The 2023 film adaptation brings this beloved story to life, capturing its heart and authenticity.
Cast director: Alisa Fredericks
Cast actor: Abby Ryder Fortson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, Benny Safdie, Elle Graham, Amari Alexis Price, Katherine Mallen Kupferer, Kate MacCluggage, Aidan Wojtak-Hissong, Landon S. Baxter
Original name: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.