Let me preface this review with the fact that I have not read the 1970 novel this film’s based on and I was not familiar with its author Judy Blume. But the rather provocative title, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret definitely gets me intrigued. The story centers on Margaret (Abby Ryder Fortson), an 11-year-old girl whose quiet existence is upended when her parents uproot the family from NYC to the New Jersey suburbs. Now, those who shrug and think ‘What is the big deal? It’s just across the river!’ Well, when you’re a pre-teen, changing schools is a huge deal as friends are so integral in our day-to-day lives. Plus, the move would separate Margaret from her beloved grandma Sylvia (Kathy Bates) who doesn’t hide her objection about the move from her son Herb (Benny Safdie) and daughter-in-law (Rachel McAdams).

Once they’re in NJ, Margaret’s precocious new neighbor Nancy (Elle Graham) immediately reaches out and invites her to be part of her inner circle, joining Gretchen (Katherine Mallen Kupferer) and Janie (Amari Alexis Price). Soon Margaret is in a crash course about puberty, which includes everything from boy crushes, anatomy, menstruation, etc. We’re all young once and even if one didn’t grow up in the same country, there are certainly plenty of universal themes that young teens grapple with that are relatable.

What’s unique about Margaret is her daily conversations with God, even though she doesn’t exactly know who or what kind of God she’s praying to. Her dad is Jewish and her mom was raised Christian but stopped going to church when her parents disown her from marrying a Jew. Yet they’re open enough to let Margaret choose a faith of her own (or none) when she’s ready. It’s always interesting to see mainstream Hollywood tackle issues of religion, especially from the POV of a child. Margaret is an honest seeker as she attends a synagogue as well as church, and she was frank about her findings… “I’ve been looking for you, God. I looked for you in Temple. I looked for you in Church. I didn’t feel you at all. Why? Why, God? Why do I only feel you when I’m alone?”

Now, I suppose it might be too much to ask to expect a deeper exploration of faith from this film. I’m not sure if the book would offer something deeper, but the adaptation leaves me wanting more. I feel like Margaret’s parents barely offer much wisdom in any kind of belief system. While supportive, they’re practically hands-off in matters that would give a child a sense of purpose and direction.

There’s an opportunity with Margaret’s teacher Mr Benedict (Echo Kellum) who asks her to write a paper about religion. But when her only takeaway is that ‘religion only makes people fight,’ the teacher doesn’t help enlighten her or offer some kind of mature perspective. I mean, whether Mr Benedict is a person of faith or atheist, you’d think he’d have some kind of response to a student’s curious conclusion. What’s not so surprising is the film’s depiction of Margaret’s supposedly devout Christian grandparents as cold and unsympathetic. I mean sure, there are people like that from all kinds of religions, but depicting those holding the Christian faith as the ‘villain’ is an unfair generalization. This article about growing up in an interfaith household points out the exact issue I have with that storyline.

Despite those quibbles though, there is plenty to like about this movie for adults and youngsters alike. Overall it’s an entertaining and often funny movie, especially when Nancy gets the girls to do a hilarious chant: ’I must, I must increase my bust’ While tackling some serious issues, the movie’s tone is generally light and whimsical. The performances are terrific, especially Fortson who’s fun to watch and instantly likable. I just realized she was Cassie, Scott Lang’s adorably cute daughter in the first Ant-Man movie.

Overall I think writer/director Kelly Fremon Craig did a good job adapting this beloved coming-of-age novel. Based on the positive response about this film, I’d think fans of the novel think she did the book justice. This isn’t the first time Craig tackles a movie about adolescence, which makes me curious to check out The Edge of Seventeen. I’m glad I got a chance to finally see this one. It’s not as deep or emotionally resonant as I would’ve liked, but still warrants a recommendation.

Have you seen Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret? I’d love to hear your thoughts!