Eleven-year-old Margaret moves from the city to the suburbs and starts to contemplate everything about life, friendship and adolescence. She relies on her mother, Barbara, who offers loving ... Read allEleven-year-old Margaret moves from the city to the suburbs and starts to contemplate everything about life, friendship and adolescence. She relies on her mother, Barbara, who offers loving support, and her grandmother, Sylvia.Eleven-year-old Margaret moves from the city to the suburbs and starts to contemplate everything about life, friendship and adolescence. She relies on her mother, Barbara, who offers loving support, and her grandmother, Sylvia.
- Awards
- 26 wins & 82 nominations
Amari Alexis Price
- Janie Loomis
- (as Amari Price)
Katherine Mallen Kupferer
- Gretchen Potter
- (as Katherine Kupferer)
Landon S. Baxter
- Evan Wheeler
- (as Landon Baxter)
Olivia Williams
- Witch
- (as Olivia Frances Williams)
Mike Platarote Jr.
- Guy in Car
- (as Michael Platarote)
Zack Brooks
- Philip Leroy
- (as Zackary Brooks)
Jecobi Swain
- Freddy Barnett
- (as JeCobi Swain)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaJudy Blume, the author of the source novel, has a walk-on role as a woman walking a dog.
- GoofsIn the synagogue, they are using the (Conservative) Rabbinical Assembly's Siddur Lev Shalem prayer book. It was published in 2016. The cantor is a woman, but females weren't ordained as cantors until 1975 for Reform and 1987 for Conservative.
- Quotes
Margaret: I immediately wanted to take it off.
Barbara Simon: Yeah. Welcome to womanhood.
- Crazy creditsFans of "The Simpsons" especially will note the Gracie Films logo at the beginning of the film, used at the end of episodes of the aforementioned television show. Gracie Films is an American film and television production company, founded by James L. Brooks in 1986 and named for comedian Gracie Allen, formerly wife and professional partner of George Burns. James Brooks is also a producer of the film. Among other shows and movies, Gracie Films is responsible for "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" (1970-77), "Jerry McGuire" (1996), and "As Good as it Gets" (1997).
- Alternate versionsThe version of the film shown at advanced screenings featured a "Margaret Moments" segment prior to the film playing, which features women recounting their memories which are relatable to the characters/situations of the original book. Marge Simpson appears during this segment, likely because James L. Brooks/Gracie Films produced the film.
- ConnectionsFeatured in 60 Minutes: Prince Harry/A Hans Zimmer Score (2023)
- SoundtracksBirds of a Feather
Written by Joe South
Performed by Paul Revere & The Raiders
Courtesy of Columbia Records
By arrangement with Sony Music Entertainment
Featured review
I must, I must, I must increase my bust.
This delightful coming of age drama remains sweet and innocent yet honest and heartfelt, never pretending that puberty is easy or otherwise pandering to its potentially young audience. Crucially, though, 'Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.' presents the pre-teen struggles of its protagonist not as demons to overcome, but as milestones to celebrate; they're just a part of growing up, arguably even more important than all the easy moments. It challenges the stigma that society places on a young woman's journey into adulthood simply by presenting it in a true and complimentary way, allowing it to breathe within a non-judgmental space that openly loves the often messy yet always necessary process. It laughs in the face of taboo, unashamedly portraying a girl's first period as an exciting key moment in her development (and as a metaphor for growing up) and showcasing the 'boy crazy', body anxious, socially conscious, inherently awkward lifestyle of a kid in the 6th grade without resorting to tired clichés or stereotypes. It captures that feeling of everything being incredibly important, even though a lot of it actually isn't. As an adult, you spend a lot of time wishing you were a care-free kid again; as a kid, you spend most of your time wishing you'd grow up and become an adult. When you're young, it doesn't matter matter how many times a grown-up tells you that you'll miss being the age you are, you never believe them; when you're older, you'll wish you had. Another large portion of the picture's theming is that of religion. Its protagonist is given the freedom to choose her own religion, coming from progressive interfaith parents who've opted to raise her without religion due to past trauma that I won't spoil. It handles this really well, too, and is unbiased when it comes to its treatment of the subject. Its message is ultimately an affirming one that ought to appeal to viewers of all kinds, one that opts not to tell people what to think but rather that they should. It essentially says that you should have the freedom to choose what you believe in and how you live your life, positing that you don't have to be religious to believe in God and can feel connected to a higher power (or not) in whatever way works for you. When the source novel was first released in 1970 (which is also when this adaptation is set, meaning that the movie is a period piece even though the book technically isn't), it was apparently highly controversial due not only to its open depiction of female puberty, but also because it had the audacity not to preach to its young readers and suggest that they don't have to blindly follow the religion of their parents. I imagine in some circles, the progressive piece is still controversial, but it's interesting that what once seemed radical now just seems like common sense (and good parenting) to me. Considering the title, though, this story is far more about growing up in general than it is about growing up searching for God, and it's all the better for it. The two elements are balanced well and form a cohesive whole, but the main takeaway from the movie is the subtle yet significant development of its protagonist (the other key characters also all undergo small yet important arcs). Abby Ryder Fortson impresses as the eponymous Margaret, perfectly capturing a multitude of emotions without overselling any of them. The performances, in general, are understated yet brilliant. Benny Safdie is great in his smaller role, Kathy Bates is as radiant as ever and Rachel McAdams really knocks your socks off - particularly in one emotionally charged scene. The supporting kids are all believable and engaging, too. This is the sort of film that doesn't shout about its performances, yet the cast is consistently brilliant across the board and each actor brings to life the brilliant screenplay in a distinctly believable way. The wonderful writing does an amazing job adapting its source material, making considered use of narration (that never feels overbearing) and an almost vignette-like structure to convey the year-long journey of its characters. The picture has a palpable suburban atmosphere capable of instilling nostalgia even in those unfamiliar with its setting or central situation. It feels universally relatable despite being pleasingly specific (or maybe that precision is precisely why it's so accessible). It's the sort of thing that can appeal to everybody, but I can imagine that it's especially important to young girls and their parents. It's genuinely inclusive and progressive, even for today, and it has plenty of important things to say about growing up and taking control of your own life. It's just an extremely pleasant picture, one that's as charming as it is competently crafted. Ultimately, it's a breezy, enjoyable, funny, heartwarming and wonderfully honest experience from beginning to end. It's great.
Helpful•167
- Pjtaylor-96-138044
- May 29, 2023
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Details
Box office
- Budget
- $30,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $20,372,406
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $6,739,037
- Apr 30, 2023
- Gross worldwide
- $21,464,043
- Runtime1 hour 46 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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What is the streaming release date of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. (2023) in Australia?
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