Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A girl moves to New Jersey and desperately wants her period while also interrogating an invisible deity about which flavor of organized religion to choose, all while her parents passively-aggressively judge each other’s life choices.

🍿 Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Moving to New Jersey and New Friendships

In 1970, Margaret Simon, an eleven-year-old girl, is uprooted from her New York City life when her parents decide to move to suburban New Jersey. Upset about leaving her friends and grandmother, Sylvia, Margaret begins communicating with God about her anxieties and hopes. Upon arriving in New Jersey, Margaret quickly befriends her neighbor, Nancy Wheeler, who introduces her to a group of girls. She starts navigating the social dynamics of a new school, friendships, and the emerging interests of adolescence.

Exploring Religion and Family History

Margaret’s teacher assigns a year-long research project, and when he discovers Margaret’s lack of religious affiliation due to her mother being Christian and her father Jewish, she chooses to explore different religious beliefs. This assignment prompts her to ask her mother about her estranged maternal grandparents. Barbara reveals that her devoutly Christian parents disowned her for marrying a Jewish man. As Margaret explores religion, she also grapples with her identity and the complexities of her family history, visiting a temple with her paternal grandmother, Sylvia.

Navigating Puberty and First Kisses

Margaret and her friends eagerly anticipate the milestones of puberty, such as wearing a bra and experiencing their first kisses. At a birthday party, Margaret has her first kiss with Philip Leroy during a game of spin the bottle. The girls also become excited about starting their periods after watching a school video on menstruation. Margaret grows increasingly impatient as other girls begin menstruating before her. She and Janie even buy sanitary pads in anticipation. These experiences highlight the anxieties and excitement surrounding puberty and the desire to fit in with her peers.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Margaret Simon (Abby Ryder Fortson): An eleven-year-old girl navigating adolescence, religion, and identity after moving to a new town with interfaith parents.
• Barbara Simon (Rachel McAdams): Margaret’s mother, a former art teacher, adjusting to suburban life and her evolving relationship with her daughter and estranged parents.
• Sylvia Simon (Kathy Bates): Margaret’s Jewish grandmother, who is overbearing but adoring, and struggles with the family’s move while hoping Margaret embraces Judaism.
• Herb Simon (Benny Safdie): Margaret’s father, whose career advancement prompts the family’s move and contributes to the family’s religious dynamic.
• Nancy Wheeler (Elle Graham): Margaret’s outwardly confident but insecure classmate, who influences Margaret’s navigation of social dynamics and puberty.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Margaret: “Are you there God? It’s me, Margaret.” – This iconic opening line of Margaret’s prayers sets the tone for her personal journey of self-discovery and faith.
• Margaret: “I’m on a religious search.” – Margaret declares this as she embarks on a school assignment, reflecting her exploration of faith and identity.
• Nancy: “We must, we must, we must increase our bust.” – A chant the girls repeat, highlighting their obsession with the physical changes of puberty and societal pressures.
• Sylvia: “Margaret went to temple with me!” – Said during dinner when Margaret’s maternal grandparents bring up the possibility of Margaret attending Sunday school, causing an argument and the revelation of Margaret’s exploration of her Jewish heritage.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $20,372,406
• Worldwide Gross: $21,464,043

💥 Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into this thinking it was just another teen movie, but wow, was I wrong! This movie made me feel like I was 11 again, dealing with all the same awkward stuff. Remember the first bra? The anticipation of your period? It’s all there! I was laughing, cringing, and even tearing up a little. Kathy Bates as the grandma? Iconic. Seriously, go see this with your mom or your best friend – you won’t regret it. I loved the scene where the girls were chanting to get their periods, it was hilarious.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of coming-of-age stories”
  • “Readers of Judy Blume’s novels”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about female adolescence”
  • “Those who enjoy family dramas with comedic elements”
  • “Fans of Rachel McAdams and Kathy Bates”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Discussions of puberty and menstruation”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Religious themes and some family conflict”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Kelly Fremon Craig tackles Judy Blume’s classic with grace. Abby Ryder Fortson shines as Margaret, capturing the awkwardness of adolescence with a natural charm. The film delicately balances humor and sincerity, making it a relatable experience for viewers of all ages.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A heartwarming adaptation that captures the essence of Judy Blume’s novel. Rachel McAdams delivers a standout performance as Margaret’s mother, navigating her own identity while supporting her daughter’s journey. The film’s period setting adds a layer of nostalgia and charm.
• Variety: “Kelly Fremon Craig directs with a keen eye for detail, bringing Judy Blume’s beloved story to life. Abby Ryder Fortson embodies Margaret’s innocent curiosity and vulnerability. The film’s exploration of faith, family, and friendship resonates deeply, offering a comforting and uplifting cinematic experience.

Audience Reactions

The movie perfectly captures the awkwardness and excitement of being a pre-teen girl.: Viewers praised the film’s authenticity and its ability to evoke nostalgic feelings.

Abby Ryder Fortson delivers a fantastic performance as Margaret, making her relatable and endearing.: The acting was consistently highlighted as a major strength of the film.

Overall Consensus: A heartwarming and relatable coming-of-age story that resonates with audiences of all ages, thanks to its authentic portrayal of adolescence and strong performances.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Judy Blume, the author of the novel, makes a cameo in the film as a woman walking a dog.”
• “The film is set in 1970, staying true to the book’s original time period, adding a layer of authenticity to the production design and costumes.”
• “Director Kelly Fremon Craig also directed ‘The Edge of Seventeen,’ showcasing her talent for portraying authentic teen experiences.”
• “Hans Zimmer, known for his dramatic film scores, composed the music for this coming-of-age story, a departure from his typical work.”

🖥️ How to Watch Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.?

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. is currently available for streaming on platforms such as Apple TV, and can be rented or purchased through video-on-demand services like Prime Video, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television airings and theatrical re-releases.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret., you might like these similar films:

• The Edge of Seventeen (2016): Also directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, it captures the awkwardness and humor of adolescence with a sharp, witty script.
• Eighth Grade (2018): This film offers an honest and often cringe-worthy look at the anxieties and insecurities of a young girl navigating the digital age.
• Now and Then (1995): A group of childhood friends reminisce about a pivotal summer, exploring themes of friendship, growing up, and self-discovery.
• Mermaids (1990): Set in the 1960s, this film follows a mother and her two daughters as they navigate life, love, and religion with humor and heart.

🛒 Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Related Products

• Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. (The official Movie Companion): This companion book is a celebration of the iconic story and the making of the major motion picture. It includes behind-the-scenes photos, interviews with the cast and crew, and more.
• Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. (Paperback): Judy Blume’s classic novel that explores the journey of Margaret Simon. It is great to have for any collection.
• 70s Fashion Style Guide for Women: Perfect guide to help embrace your inner 70s fashion for the next costume party! From bell bottoms to hippie dresses, this is what you need to channel the vibes of the film.
• Retro 1970’s Corded Home Telephone: If you want to embrace the nostalgia, this corded telephone is a replica of the phones used during the 70s. Enjoy the film and make a call.

🎧 Soundtrack

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Birds of a Feather” – performed by Paul Revere & The Raiders
• “These Eyes” – performed by The Guess Who
• “Oogum Boogum Song” – performed by Brenton Wood

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Rachel McAdams on “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.”

Ever wonder what Rachel McAdams thinks about taking on the role of Margaret’s mom? This interview dives into her thoughts on the movie, and her career in general. It’s super insightful, I think you’ll enjoy it.

Abby Ryder Fortson on Starring in Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret & Meeting Judy Blume

How cool would it be to star in a movie based on your favorite book and then get to meet the author?! Check out this interview where Abby talks about making the movie and meeting Judy Blume, so cute!

Watch an Awkward Party Scene in ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret’ | Anatomy of a Scene

Want to get super analytical about one of the party scenes? The New York Times breaks down the scene and highlights all the decisions the director made! I love seeing the artistry behind the scenes.

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