Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. Review

        Never thought this movie was going to be the last one I’ll be talking about for the year. Among everything that I’ve seen this year, this is probably the second film to be based on a book. I’ve been wanting to see it in theaters, but since I live in a small border city, films like these show in the bigger cities. And let me tell you, it’s a commitment to travel to another city to see a movie and to come back within the same day. So with that, let’s get started. 

1. A Thing About Margaret

        If you haven’t already figured it out, the film is based on the book of the same name by Judy Blume that came out in 1970. It was ground breaking for its time for how it had an unorthodox approach in the coming of age story. Hailed for its approach and been in the crosshairs of multiple parents groups for all the wrong reasons, the book is a touchstone of that decade. 

        The film is a one of those rare faithful adaptions where it gets right while also providing synergy to Margaret’s parents. Specifically on her mother Barbara which I’ll get to in a moment. In case you haven’t read the book, here’s the skinny. We follow Margaret as she moves from New York to New Jersey, she meets her new friends and begins to discover herself. Everything about the story is straightforward and all of it is in her perspective. 

        The actress does a good job portraying Margaret. She isn’t an outcast but is obviously the new girl when her neighbor Nancy introduces her to the other friends. The dynamic chemistry works when we see them together and when they tell say that they can’t wait for their periods. About that part, I think that section overshadows what the book is about. Obviously it’s one of the reasons why the book was threatened to be banned. Among that, we also see just how Margaret is conflicted with her religion. 

        The film presents these topics as just a natural thing for the character to go through. There isn’t any stance or anything to be for or against a religion denomination. The key thing is that Margaret tries to find what works for her but is completely let down by just how alien it all is. Her only connection is when we hear her sort of talking to God about her ups and downs. Those moments I like since she reminisce on what happened to her.

2. Innocence

        I feel that the big picture idea about both the movie and book is really about the loss of innocence. Not just for Margaret but for her mother. We learn that Barbara was an Art teacher but stopped when her husband found a better job. We see just how, like Margaret, is sort of like an outcast in a new environment. She joins the PTA but ultimately feels pigeon hole in terms of creativity.

        The way the theme is used is when we see Margaret and her friends are all ready to be young women. They do everything to increase their breast size and preparing to have their period. The best scene that represents that is when Margaret is with Nancy in New York. Nancy gets her period and is freaked out. That moment shatters what came before since Nancy lied to Margaret about already having one. More so that Nancy’s friends rip on a girl who already went through all of that. How I interpret it is that they’re jealous. Spreading rumors about how the girl is felt up and just doing that to feel better about their current predicament. 

        Lastly, religion I believe plays in hand with the theme of innocence. We learn that Margaret’s parents have different religious backgrounds. Aside from her conversation with God, she has a close relationship with her Dad’s mother. When she’s in the Jewish temple, couldn’t be more awkward for her since she doesn’t get it. And when she goes to a Christian church is the same deal. I'm glad we don't see which one she picks specifically since it's revealed why it's a touchy subject for her parents. 

        What makes it all work is that Margaret doesn’t understand it but tries to find what works for her. She goes against the norms that are represented with her new friends and doesn’t follow suit when things go the way she doesn’t like. For one thing it’s great, because it gives her urgency since she’s still figuring herself out. And in the end, she still celebrates herself without alienating others by how different she is. 

3. Overall

        The adaptation is another underrated hit of this year. It’s one of the best book adaptations that I’ve seen, and it makes an uncomfortable topic comfortable.