It took roughly fifty years for Judy Blume to finally say yes. For decades, the legendary author sat on the film rights to her most famous book, terrified that a Hollywood studio would turn her raw, honest story about puberty into some shiny, sanitized version of girlhood. Then came Kelly Fremon Craig.
The Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret movie didn't just happen; it was a miracle of timing and trust.
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Honestly, it’s rare to see a film capture the specific, itchy discomfort of being eleven years old so accurately. Most coming-of-age movies feel like they were written by people who forgot what it was like to actually be a kid. They lean into nostalgia or over-the-top drama. But this adaptation? It’s different. It understands that for Margaret Simon, the biggest crisis in the world isn't a global event—it's whether or not she'll be the last girl in her class to get her period.
The Long Wait for Margaret Simon
People always ask why it took so long.
Blume was famously protective. She’d seen how other adaptations of her work felt "off." But after seeing The Edge of Seventeen, she realized Kelly Fremon Craig had the "secret sauce" for writing teenage voices. The movie, released in 2023, arrived at a time when we probably needed it more than we did in 1970.
Abby Ryder Fortson plays Margaret with this wide-eyed, nervous energy that feels so lived-in. You’ve probably seen her in Ant-Man, but here she’s carrying the entire emotional weight of a generation. She’s moving from New York City to New Jersey. Her parents, played by Rachel McAdams and Benny Safdie, are dealing with their own baggage—specifically the fact that they’ve raised Margaret without a religion in a world that demands you pick a side.
It’s a lot for a kid.
Why the Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret Movie Feels So Real
The period talk. Let's talk about it.
The movie doesn’t shy away from the pads, the belts (yes, those weird 70s sanitary belts), or the desperate chanting of "we must, we must, we must increase our bust!" It’s funny because it’s true. But it’s also kind of heartbreaking.
You see, Margaret is talking to God, but she’s not sure if anyone is listening. She’s looking for a sign in a world of conflicting signals. Her grandmother, Sylvia—played by a scene-stealing Kathy Bates—wants her to be Jewish. Her maternal grandparents, who haven't spoken to her mother in years, want her to be Christian.
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Margaret is stuck in the middle.
The film captures that specific 1970s aesthetic without feeling like a costume party. The colors are warm, the wallpaper is loud, and the sense of isolation in the suburbs is palpable.
Breaking Down the Cast and Their Impact
Rachel McAdams as Barbara Simon is the secret weapon of this film.
In the book, the mom is a bit more of a background figure. In the Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret movie, Barbara is a fully realized human being. She’s a woman trying to find her own identity after leaving her career to become a "suburban housewife." Watching her struggle with the PTA and the guilt of her estranged relationship with her parents adds a layer of maturity that makes the movie work for adults, too.
Then there’s Benny Safdie. Usually, he’s doing these intense, frantic roles (Uncut Gems, anyone?), but here he’s just a sweet, slightly overwhelmed dad trying to mow the lawn and protect his daughter. It’s refreshing.
- Abby Ryder Fortson (Margaret): The heart of the story.
- Rachel McAdams (Barbara): Provides the adult emotional anchor.
- Kathy Bates (Sylvia): Brings the humor and the pressure of tradition.
- Elle Graham (Nancy Wheeler): The "mean girl" who isn't actually mean, just deeply insecure.
The Religious Question Nobody Wants to Answer
Margaret’s "talks" with God are the most intimate parts of the movie.
She isn't praying in a formal way. She’s checking in. "Are you there, God? It’s me, Margaret. I’m going to buy my first bra today. Please help me choose a nice one." It’s charming, but it’s also a deep dive into the anxiety of choice.
The film deals with the fallout of a "mixed marriage" during a time when that was still a huge deal. The scene where the grandparents finally meet is awkward and painful. It shows how adults often project their own insecurities onto their children. Margaret isn't just looking for a religion; she's looking for a way to belong without losing herself.
Behind the Scenes: Keeping it Authentic
Lionsgate and the production team went to great lengths to keep things period-accurate.
The production designer, Jess Gonchor, who has worked on Coen Brothers movies, made sure the Simon house felt like a real home, not a set. They used authentic Sears catalogs and period-correct school supplies. These small details matter because they ground the story. If the world feels fake, the emotions feel fake.
But it wasn't just the sets.
The script underwent several revisions to make sure the dialogue didn't sound like "adults writing kids." They wanted the girls to sound like girls—overlapping, gossiping, and occasionally being accidentally cruel to one another.
The Evolution of the "Secret Club"
Remember the "Four PTSKs" (Pre-Teen Sensations)? In the movie, their meetings are peak childhood secret-keeping. They have rules. They have "research" (mostly looking at Playboy magazines).
It captures that desperate need to be "in the know" before you actually know anything.
Critics and Audience Reception
When the Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret movie hit theaters, the reviews were overwhelmingly positive. It currently holds a near-perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Critics praised the film for being "unapologetically sincere."
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In an era of cynical reboots and superhero fatigue, a movie about a girl getting her period felt radical. It wasn't trying to be "gritty." It was just trying to be honest.
However, despite the critical acclaim, it didn't set the box office on fire initially. Some analysts suggested that because it was marketed primarily to women and girls, it was unfairly pigeonholed. But it found a massive second life on streaming.
Common Misconceptions About the Film
Some people think the movie is just for kids.
That’s a mistake.
It’s actually a movie about the loss of innocence for both the child and the parent. Watching Barbara Simon realize that she can't protect Margaret from the world's complexities is just as moving as Margaret’s journey.
Another misconception is that the movie is "dated."
Sure, they use rotary phones. Yes, the clothes are different. But the feelings? The feelings of not fitting in, of wanting your body to change faster, of wondering if there’s a higher power looking out for you? Those are timeless.
Comparison: Book vs. Movie
How does it stack up?
Honestly, it’s one of those rare cases where the movie might actually add something the book couldn't. By expanding the roles of the mother and grandmother, the film creates a multi-generational dialogue about what it means to be a woman.
The ending of the Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret movie is also slightly more cinematic than the book, giving Margaret a moment of realization that feels earned rather than just happening to her.
Actionable Takeaways for Viewers
If you’re planning to watch or re-watch this gem, here is how to get the most out of the experience:
- Watch it with family: If you have a pre-teen, this is the ultimate "conversation starter" movie. It breaks the ice on topics that are usually awkward.
- Pay attention to the background: The 70s set design is a masterclass in world-building. Look at the kitchen appliances and the classroom posters.
- Don't skip the credits: The music throughout the film is fantastic, featuring tracks that perfectly capture the era’s vibe.
- Check out the "making of" features: Hearing Judy Blume talk about why she finally trusted this team adds a whole new layer of appreciation for the film.
The Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret movie stands as a testament to the power of patient storytelling. It waited fifty years to be made, and the result is a piece of cinema that feels both classic and incredibly fresh. It reminds us that while the world changes, the messy, beautiful, terrifying process of growing up remains exactly the same.
Whether you grew up with the book or you're coming to the story for the first time, there's something in Margaret’s journey that resonates. It’s about more than just growing up; it’s about finding the courage to be yourself when everyone else is trying to tell you who you should be. That’s a message that never goes out of style.
Ultimately, the film succeeds because it treats its young characters with respect. It doesn't talk down to them. It doesn't make their problems seem small. It acknowledges that when you're eleven, everything is big. And that is exactly why we still care about Margaret Simon after all these years.