Evaluate: ‘Are You There God? It is Me, Margaret’ is a Nice Shock
by Manuel São Bento
December 22, 2023
Kelly Fremon Craig’s coming-of-age comedy adaptation Are You There God? It is Me, Margaret had lengthy been lodged in my movie viewing schedule, but someway managed to elude me when it first opened (again in April 2023), finally succumbing to the abyss of missed watches. The noticeable awards season buzz surrounding Rachel McAdams’ efficiency, coupled with a mess of overwhelmingly optimistic opinions, compelled me to put it as a prime precedence viewing earlier than the 12 months’s finish. Gratitude is owed to everybody who shared great suggestions, for this turned out to be some of the pleasantly stunning films of 2023.
Truly, this needs to be nowhere close to near a shock for me, having in thoughts that Kelly Fremon Craig can be answerable for one in every of my favorites of 2016, The Fringe of Seventeen, which on the time I thought-about to be probably the greatest coming-of-age tales of its decade. Are You There God? It is Me, Margaret warrants that very same proclamation, as it is a remarkably layered examine of the intricate sides of a 11-year-old woman’s life. The narrative dives deep into the challenges of adolescence, protecting a myriad of themes with such authenticity and depth that it is in a position to resonate with viewers of all ages & all genders. From puberty and the complexities of evolving womanhood to the affect of peer stress and the nuanced exploration of spiritual beliefs, the filmmaker fearlessly addresses the multifaceted journey of the younger protagonist.
Are You There God? It is Me, Margaret, tailored from Judy Blume’s e book, refuses to merely skim the floor of any theme associated to the principle character’s arc. As a substitute, it brilliantly weaves collectively the threads of her life, unraveling the sophistication of a lady pressured to navigate the tumultuous waters of change when pulled away to stay a brand new metropolis. The script (tailored by Kelly Fremon Craig), magnificently written, does not shrink back from addressing delicate topics. It boldly tackles points surrounding puberty, showcasing the emotional and bodily adjustments that include it. Fremon Craig additionally bravely delves into the burden of peer stress, illustrating the way it permeates each facet of a younger woman’s life, from friendships to non-public opinions.
One among the standout achievements in Are You There God? It is Me, Margaret is its examine of faith and the damaging significance it carries in some households. Identical to with each different theme, the narrative does not tiptoe across the matter however as a substitute confronts it head-on, providing an unfiltered take a look at the protagonist’s wrestle together with her personal beliefs and the expectations positioned upon her resulting from her household’s adherence to faith. This candid strategy contributes to the movie’s realism, because it mirrors the real-life dilemmas many adolescents face when making an attempt to reconcile private convictions with familial or societal expectations.
On the core of this outstanding story are the stellar performances delivered by Abby Ryder Fortson (from “Togetherness”, Ant-Man and the Wasp, A Canine’s Journey) and the Academy Award-nominated Rachel McAdams. Each actresses convey charming nuance to their roles, elevating the characters past formulaic stereotypes. Are You There God? It is Me Margaret, though coping with themes that might simply result in generic portrayals, advantages immensely from the solid’s capacity to infuse their roles with full relatability. McAdams’ interpretation deserves awards buzz, as does the detailed script full of insightful dialogue.
The deal with the younger woman’s journey at the moment of her life is laser-sharp, guaranteeing an intimate strategy to her experiences. I do want for some further dialogue between the dad and mom concerning the mom’s sacrifice of giving up her dream of educating artwork to assist the household, although. It is the one storyline that feels too mild and too simply resolved, because it might have added an additional layer of depth to the general narrative. Nonetheless, the choice to maintain the main target totally on the protagonist does not diminish the movie’s affect; slightly, it emphasizes the filmmakers’ dedication to the core issues of adolescence and self-discovery.
The visible storytelling employed skillfully captures the dynamic nuances of the characters and the essence of the story. The sufficient pacing permits the viewers to soak up every second, guaranteeing that Are You There God? It is Me, Margaret does not rush via any of the vital plot factors and character moments however slightly lets them unfold organically. Moreover, the rating from none apart from Hans Zimmer – sure, you learn that proper – enhances the emotional beats of the narrative, enhancing the viewer’s connection to the characters and their evolving experiences. Lastly, the intelligent music decisions all through function a wealthy backdrop, successfully underscoring the highs and lows of the coming-of-age journey.
Closing Ideas
Kelly Fremon Craig’s Are You There God? It is Me, Margaret stands out as a triumph within the coming-of-age subgenre. Its refusal to shrink back from delicate topic issues, coupled with sensible performances from the lead solid, and a meticulously crafted script, ends in a narrative that not solely entertains with astute humor but in addition resonates on a deeply private degree. It is a testomony to proficient filmmaker Kelly Fremon Craig’s dedication to authenticity and storytelling that transcends the boundaries of age and gender. A poignant, relatable portrayal of the complexities of adolescence, leaving a long-lasting affect on its viewers.
Manuel’s Ranking: A-
Observe Manuel on Twitter – @msbreviews / Or Letterboxd – @msbreviews
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