Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. (2023)

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. is that rare coming-of-age film that treats adolescence with both a light touch and real respect, finding big feelings in small moments without ever talking down to its characters. Kelly Fremon Craig captures the 1970s suburban vibe with warmth and clarity, letting the humor of awkward growth sit right alongside the tenderness of questions about friendship, bodies, and belief. Abby Ryder Fortson is wonderfully open and specific as Margaret, while Rachel McAdams and Kathy Bates deepen the story into something that’s as much about family as it is about fitting in. It’s candid about puberty and crushes in a PG-13 way, so it won’t be for viewers who prefer their nostalgia scrubbed clean, but for anyone who remembers what it felt like to be eleven, it lands with disarming honesty and heart.

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. is clearly trying to be a warm, reassuring coming-of-age story about puberty, fitting in, and figuring out what you believe, and it largely succeeds as a gentle, empathetic snapshot of that awkward age. The catch is that “gentle” can slide into “safe”: the plot is pretty predictable, the pacing can feel leisurely to the point of bland, and the religious exploration is more of a light touch than a deep dive. If you’re hoping for sharper comedy, bigger emotional swings, or a more daring take on its themes, this may feel a bit edgeless. Still, the performances (especially Abby Ryder Fortson and Rachel McAdams) and the sincere, non-judgmental tone make it a solid pick if you want something wholesome, thoughtful, and low-drama.