‘Destined to become a classic.’
Regular readers of JOE will know that Netflix has been adding many noteworthy films lately. But the streamer has now gone and put one of 2023’s very best movies on its service.
That film is Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, a coming-of-age comedy-drama based on the beloved 1970 novel of the same name by Judy Blume.
Written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig (The Edge of Seventeen), the movie version is also set in 1970 and follows 11-year-old Margaret (Abby Ryder Fortson, Ant-Man).
This is as her family moves from New York City to the suburbs of New Jersey and she is forced to go through the messy and tumultuous throes of puberty with new friends in a new school.
Co-starring Benny Safdie (Oppenheimer), Kathy Bates (Misery) and Rachel McAdams (Spotlight) and produced by James L. Brooks (As Good as It Gets), Are You There God? landed in Irish cinemas in May 2023
And though it was not a box office hit, it was universally adored by critics for its evocation of the ’70s, its heartfelt and relatable story, its humour and its brilliant performances – particularly by Fortson and McAdams.
Here is a sample of some of the glowing reviews the movie received:
The Guardian: “Destined to become a classic… 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.”
IndieWire: “This is a warm film, a good-hearted film, a funny film, with something to offer everyone.”
Leonard Maltin: “As a critic, I hesitate to use the word ‘perfect’ but it is the first adjective that comes to mind.”
ReelViews: “Although the target audience is unquestionably mothers and daughters, Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret has things to say to viewers of all genders and ages.”
The Spectator: “This is a wonderfully charming, warm, tender, pitch-perfect film, much better than anything else I’ve seen recently.”
Time Magazine: “We forget how much we wanted to rush to grow up, and also how, once it started happening, we weren’t sure how to adjust to this rattling new normal. Are You There God?, both funny and generous, brings it all back.”
Sure to find a bigger audience on streaming – Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is now available to watch on Netflix in Ireland and the UK.
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