Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.
★★★★
If you polled a group and asked them what was the most awkward moment in their lives, I would bet that the majority of them would point towards their junior high years. It's a time that no one want to go back to, yet it's a pivotal moment that makes up so much of who you are. It's no wonder that Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. is a beloved Judy Blume novel. This story has to be one of the most realistic portrayals of adolescence that I have seen. Though I can't personally connect with the personal journey into womanhood that takes place, everyone will connect to that moment in life where you are starting to become old enough to form your opinions, but not old enough to buy your own underwear in a department story.
Director/writer Kelly Fremon Craig nails the characters and tone perfectly and Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret is terrific. My daughter is currently thirteen, which means a lot of carpools with her friends, and I could picture Margaret fitting right into her friend group. Just as much, Elle Graham stands out as Nancy Wheeler, who is the more realistic, early manifestation of Regina George. Ironically, Rachel McAdams shines in a more grounded performance and somehow convinces me that she is a mother who is trying to figure out her new life, though in real life she is a huge movie star.
More than anything, this film reminds you that you no matter what decade you grew up in, we all go through the same shit. Especially in America, we love to brand ourselves, when in reality, we all know the stresses of being part of the cool group. This movie dares to take on topics such as religion and menstruation, but handles it with such delicacy that you are warmed by the transformation that takes place in all the characters. It's a film that families need to watch together because everyone can find solace in the awkward.
