Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. 4K 2023

It’s so hard to be a teenager—especially a girl—and even more so when your parents come from families of different religions.

The main character—12-year-old Margaret—grows up in a loving family with her father and mother. And although we’re told that her parents, who come from different religious backgrounds, are not religious at all, and there are no conflicts between them over this issue, unpleasant events from the past compel them to shield their daughter from any mention of religion. “When you grow up, you’ll decide for yourself who to believe in,” they tell her.

There’s another person close to the girl—her paternal grandmother (who is Jewish). She’s a very energetic, cheerful woman who adores her granddaughter, constantly cheers her up, and makes sure she never gets down.

The cause for her anxiety is moving to a different city: a new school, no friends. This is stressful even for an adult, let alone a teenager. It is precisely this move that serves as the starting point for the girl’s conversations with God. Shutting herself in her room, she asks, “Are you here, God?” and begins to tell Him about her struggles and ask for help in solving her personal problems. Moreover, at school, her teacher assigns her a research topic on religion, thereby immersing her in a journey of self-discovery.

But don’t be put off by the mention of religion—the story is kind and cheerful. There are plenty of funny moments involving the girl’s new friends, with whom she discusses typically girly topics: boys, breast growth, menstruation, and so on. Margaret asks God for her breasts to grow up quickly, and when that doesn’t happen, she gets upset and loses a little faith. The main character discovers new values for herself, and it’s fascinating to watch this unfold.

At first, I thought this would be a typical teen movie, but despite its simplicity, the film turned out to be exceptionally heartfelt and warm. The actress who played Margaret is convincing and natural. The other child actors also left a lasting impression with their vivid performances. Rachel McAdams is absolutely charming as the mom. And of course, it’s impossible not to mention Kathy Bates as the grandmother. Her transformation into a feisty, lively, and humorous grandmother—though it’s hard to call her a grandmother, given how youthful and striking she looks in the film—is beyond praise.

So, if you’re tired of serious stuff and don’t mind diving into the world of teenagers, this movie could be a great find. It’s a cozy film that will put you in a good mood and bring you inner peace.