1970, New York. Eleven year old Margaret Simon (Abby Ryder Fortson) has just discovered she is moving to New Jersey and has to navigate a new home, new friends, her pending adolescence and the tricky world of families and religion. 

Based on what I am told is a very popular Judy Blume novel (no I had not heard of it), “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is a warm, enjoyable and highly insightful coming of age tale that dares to tackle the subject of interfaith families with grace and subtlety. 

With her mother Barbara (Rachel McAdams) a non-practicing Christian and her father Herb (Benny Safdie) a non-practicing Jew, Margaret has grown up with no religion. Her parents preferring to let her decide when she gets older. Of course it is never as simple as that with families and the narrative plays out an intriguing and complex story that I am sure will resonate with many. 

As Margaret and her friends strive to be “normal” and not left behind when it comes to womanhood Margaret asks God to assist her in her trials when she has quiet moments alone and questions whether he exists at all. 

The result is a superb film with lots of heart and humour. Watching Margaret tackling firsts such as buying a bra and sanitary towels is humorous. Whilst her blooming relationship with new friends and her deepening the bond with her mum, dad and grandmother (Kathy Bates) is again heart warming and hilarious. 

Performances are all round fantastic as well. Rachel McAdams steals the show every time she is on screen as her character grows with confidence in her new home. Abby Ryder Fortson does a great job displaying the awkwardness of the age. Kathy Bates gets to overact as the larger than life grandma. Whilst Bennie Safdie, writer/director of Uncut Gems and Good Time seems to have become a “go to” actor in recent times with Oppenheimer and Licorice Pizza. 

A lovely coming of age tale.