Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret review

 

I was actually lucky enough to see this movie a week early and with it now releasing worldwide I can finally share my review. Our story begins with an Eleven-year old named Margaret who ups and moves to a new town and city after her father gets a new job. She has to leave behind her friends and even her grandmother with whom she has an almost unbreakable bond with. Her grandmother is played brilliant by Kathy Bates who really ups the comedy in the movie. Now living in New Jersey Margaret has to make new friends, attend a new school and navigate life as her body and even her entire way of living changes. 

Based upon a book this is a perfect adaptation. It is beautifully acted, written and directed culminating in an entirely enjoyable movie all about learning to live with who you are regardless of what others might think. It captures pre-adult years near spot on and is elevated to even bigger heights by some remarkable performances. Abby Ryder Fortson is a force to be reckoned with and if I had to solely judge her future based solely on this performance then I would have to say she has the brightest of futures ahead of her. She is excellent with just the right amount of naive ability and adorableness. Rachel McAdams who plays her mom is also terrific with a really human performance that just feels so real. 

Are You There God It's Me, Margaret lays heavily on Religion as one if it's main narrative cores. It treats it with respect though and as a whole this is easily the biggest surprise of the year so far in my opinion. The world of cinema needs more movies like this, a pure and enlightening experience full of positive and delightful vibes. Brilliance from beginning to end. 

★★★★★