Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. [DVD]

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The film also shares an honest quality with Blume's book. It's still rare, for example, to see a character putting on a sanitary pad on screen. They're usually a source of horror comedy, if seen at all. "That scene was electric to film," says Craig, "It felt like we were throwing off shame and embarrassment." Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume is part of a studio bidding war, ultimately being won by Lionsgate with the rights to distribute the film. James L. Brooks and Kelly Fremon Craig are attached to the production as producer and director, respectively. ( Source: Deadline) a b Hammond, Pete (April 20, 2023). " Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret Review: Judy Blume's Classic Book On Screen After 50 Years Is Well Worth The Wait". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 20, 2023 . Retrieved April 20, 2023.

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, writer-director Kelly Fremon Craig’s entry to the woefully underserved category of period dramas (make of that what you will), is destined to become a classic. Based on – but not entirely wedded to – Judy Blume’s seminal 1970 novel of the same name, the film is an entertaining comedy that also happens to be a stunning evocation of the fear and yearning that come with standing on the precipice of adulthood. Lewis, Hilary (October 24, 2023). " 'Past Lives,' 'A Thousand and One' and 'All of Us Strangers' Top Gotham Awards Film Nominees". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved November 14, 2023. Blume’s novel featured a half-Jewish, half-Christian protagonist who was questioning the existence of God while awaiting salvation via the arrival of her period, and eager to start wearing a bra. These preoccupations come to touchingly radical life in Fremon Craig’s funny-sad adaption, where entire minutes of footage are devoted to Margaret Simon (the remarkable Abby Ryder Fortson) trying on an absorbent pad or investigating different ways to sport a bra when her body does not require one.

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But also so necessary," McAdams continues. "And to be able to go to your parent with questions and know you won't be judged and you will be embraced for whoever you are becoming and are - I think that's so beautiful. I had that in my own life and it served me really well." Plemmons, Mark (May 28, 2021). "Friday Five: Big stars in Concord?". Independent Tribune. Archived from the original on May 28, 2021 . Retrieved May 28, 2021. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015): A story as touching as it is heartbreaking, you can see what kind of story Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is going to be right from the title. Focusing on Greg ( Thomas Mann) and his best friend Earl ( RJ Cyler) as they form a meaningful friendship with Rachel ( Olivia Cooke), a young woman who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Though the title might seem like a spoiler, the journey these three teenagers go on is one that's impossible to forget. Margaret hands in her research paper to Mr. Benedict, wherein she expresses her disillusionment with religion. Soon, she reconciles with her parents and Sylvia. At the end of the school year, Margaret thanks Mr. Benedict for being a good teacher. She also befriends Laura and asks her to dance, with Janie joining them shortly afterwards. Barbara, who has since returned to teaching painting, tells Nancy's mother Jan, the PTA president, that she will no longer volunteer for PTA committees. Principal photography began on April 1, 2021, in Charlotte, North Carolina. [11] Filming also took place in Concord, North Carolina late in May, [12] and wrapped in June 2021. [13] Hans Zimmer composed the film's score. [14] Release

Critics praised the film for being a faithful adaptation of the book while also fleshing out its adult characters. Pete Hammond of Deadline Hollywood described the film as a "rip-roaring, funny, human, wonderful studio movie comedy you might have forgotten Hollywood knew how to make anymore", and praised the film's cast, Craig's direction, and the decision to leave the story set in the 1970s, as the original novel did. [22] Hammond pointed out how "every character in this film is finding there is much to learn in life at whatever point you happen to be." [22] Time called Fortson "marvelous" and said she "[captures] all of Margaret's eager earnestness". [23] Writing for Jezebel, Rodlyn-mae Banting said the "film adaptation comes as a gift—one that fiercely advocates for the beauty of girlhood in all of its agonizing, terrifying, but absolutely exhilarating glory." [24] Amy Nicholson of Variety said "There’s plenty in [the film] to treasure" and "the [girls'] friendship scenes are standouts", but opined the film also "seems uneasy putting funny, flawed and all-too-realistic Margaret on screen exactly as she is." [25] Accolades Award For that reason, present-day teenagers may roll their eyes at Kelly Fremon Craig’s sweet, never quite cloying, tilt at Blume’s book. They will undoubtedly be baffled by the heroine’s quest for spiritual fulfilment as she is torn between her father’s flinty New York Judaism and the Heartland Christianity in which her mother was raised (and which she has shunned): who needs God when you have TikTok? The film was released on VOD on June 6, 2023, with a Blu-ray and DVD release that followed on July 11, 2023. [17] Reception Box office Kelly Fremon Craig's screenplay masterfully strikes a balance between humor and depth, utilizing incisive satire to expose the absurdity of religious bias and stereotypes on top of all the awkwardness of pueburty. Within this comedic framework, the film conveys poignant messages about tolerance, empathy, and the importance of embracing one's individuality, all while providing genuine moments of self-discovery and personal growth.I wish people didn't have to choose between families and themselves, who they innately are," says McAdams. "I wish those things just had nothing to do with each other. Open-mindedness and tolerance is, to me, always the way. If someone's not hurting someone else, then I think anything goes. King, Aidan (May 30, 2023). " Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret Gets Digital & Blu-ray Release Dates". Collider . Retrieved June 11, 2023. Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" is a delightful coming-of-age comedy written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, acclaimed for her previous work on "The Edge of Seventeen." With a cleverly crafted script and an ensemble cast of immense talent, this film offers a heartfelt exploration of puberty, identity, and religious conflicts, all while delivering an ample dose of humor. D'Alessandro, Anthony (January 31, 2022). "Lionsgate Dates Feature Adaptation Of Judy Blume's 'Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret' For Fall". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on January 31, 2022 . Retrieved January 31, 2022. Fleming, Mike Jr. (March 2, 2020). "Lionsgate Wins Movie Auction For Seminal Judy Blume Novel 'Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret' ". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on October 30, 2020 . Retrieved January 21, 2023.

This cinematic adaptation successfully draws inspiration from the classic 1970 novel by Judy Blume, retaining its timeless themes and endearing charm. The film pays homage to its source material while adding contemporary nuances that resonate with modern audiences. It's a testament to Kelly Fremon Craig's skill as a writer and director, deftly blending elements of nostalgia and fresh perspectives. After rejecting several offers to adapt her book in the 49 years since its publication, author Judy Blume sold the film rights to James L. Brooks and Kelly Fremon Craig, who worked together on The Edge of Seventeen (2016), with Craig set to write and direct. A studio bidding war over the distribution rights was won by Lionsgate. [6] [7] The film opens with Margaret returning home from summer camp in New Hampshire only to learn that her family is moving from their New York City apartment to a New Jersey suburb. In the book, Margaret suspects that a large motivation for her parents’ decision to move is to separate from Sylvia, her overbearing yet fun Jewish grandmother. “She doesn’t have a car, hates buses, and she thinks trains are dirty,” Margaret tells us in the book. “So unless Grandma plans to walk, which is unlikely, I won’t be seeing much of her.” When Margaret and her mom eventually find themselves in a bathroom under similar circumstances, the crying is of a different variety. It’s all terribly scary, yes, but in Blume and Fremon Craig’s hands, growing up is also heart-stoppingly beautiful.

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McAdams, who has two young children, says she hopes Margaret's story can be helpful not just to children and young adults, but to parents as well. Anderson, Erik (June 30, 2023). "Hollywood Critics Association 2023 Midseason HCA Awards: 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,' 'Past Lives,' 'Air' are Top Winners". AwardsWatch . Retrieved November 14, 2023. After dinner, when Paul and Mary question Margaret about possibly attending Sunday school, Sylvia retorts that Margaret went to temple with her and has already chosen to become Jewish, sparking an argument between the parents and grandparents. Margaret yells at the adults, proclaiming that she does not care about religion and does not even believe in God. a b D'Alessandro, Anthony (April 30, 2023). " 'Super Mario Bros' Swallowing Up 'Margaret', 'George Foreman' & More – Box Office". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 29, 2023 . Retrieved April 30, 2023.

Fleming, Mike Jr. (March 2, 2020). "Lionsgate Wins Movie Auction For Seminal Judy Blume Novel 'Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret' ". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on October 30, 2020 . Retrieved March 30, 2020. Sneider, Jeff (April 7, 2021). "Exclusive: Benny Safdie Joins Rachel McAdams in 'Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret' Movie". Collider. Archived from the original on April 7, 2021 . Retrieved April 7, 2021.Fortson says it is natural to be curious. "I think Margaret figures that out as well, and I think she has all these people in her life telling her, you have to be this, you have to use this label. But I think it's really her journey that she finds out she can just believe in what she believes in, and she doesn't really need to listen to the other people telling her what to do." At the beginning of the school year, Margaret's teacher, Mr. Benedict, gives the class a year-long research assignment. When he learns Margaret dislikes religious holidays, she explains that since her mother is a Christian and her father is Jewish, her family does not observe the holidays and has left it up to Margaret to decide on her own religious identity as she grows older. Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. had its world premiere at the San Francisco International Film Festival on April 23, 2023, and was released on April 28, 2023, by Lionsgate Films. [15] It was originally scheduled to be released on September 16, 2022. [16]