Let’s face it. Growing up isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible. Fortunately for this generation, we have access to a variety of books and movies full of relatable characters to guide us through the process, with new ones coming out seemingly every month.
For over fifty years, Judy Blume’s coming-of-age novel Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. has played a key role in leading pre-teens and young teens, especially girls, through the awkwardness that is adolescence. Through hilariously relatable situations and challenges, Blume’s novel helps young readers to realize that while their teenage years can be difficult, as long as they have confidence in themselves and the right group of friends, they can also have a lot of fun. Now, people of all ages can witness the story in real life with the recent release of the film adaptation of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.
Similar to the novel, the film Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. follows eleven-year-old Margaret Simon as she navigates a sudden move to New Jersey. Once happy and thriving, Margaret is now faced with the challenge of getting through sixth grade as the new girl. Throughout her first year living in New Jersey, Margaret experiences the ups and downs of new friendships, new schools, and being a new adolescent, which eventually help her to grow and flourish in her new setting.
This film captures the difficulties of growing up perfectly. As someone who has been the new girl multiple times throughout my life, I found it easy to relate to some of the struggles that Margaret was going through. It was refreshing to see a more lighthearted approach to these topics, as it shows viewers who may be going through similar situations that as long as they have the right attitude, they will overcome any difficulties they face.
On the topic of lighthearted approach, the humor in this movie greatly added to the viewing experience. Whenever Margaret experienced an awkward situation, it was turned into something humorous. Though Margaret may have been embarrassed during the moment, she did not let it bring her down. While this made the movie more entertaining, it also emphasized the importance of being able to laugh at our embarrassing moments. While it may feel like the end of the world at the time, finding humor in the event suddenly makes it not so bad. I enjoyed watching from an outside perspective, as it made me realize that most of the embarrassing moments from my earlier teenage years really were not as bad as I thought. As a chronic overthinker, I definitely would have benefited from learning to laugh at my mistakes earlier.
This film also touched on the topic of friendship, and the importance of understanding that some friendships change as we get older. Throughout the school year, Margaret begins to realize that her new friends don’t necessarily treat others well, driving her to find different people. I think that it’s an important lesson to learn that sometimes friendships don’t always work out. Though it may be painful at the time, you will eventually find the people that will become lifelong friends.
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Is an important watch (or read) for all, especially those about to face their teenage years. With relatable humor, influential lessons, and powerful messages, viewers will undoubtedly have a meaningful viewing experience, emerging with a new sense of wisdom surrounding the topic of growing up.
