Are You There God, It\’s Me Margaret (2023)

Screening as part of the 2025 From Page To Screen film festival

Introduced by festival curator Andrew Chater

“We must! We must! We must increase our bust!” – Margaret (Abby Ryder Fortson)

Rated 99% on film review site Rotten Tomatoes, Kelly Fremon Craig’s tender adaptation of Judy Blume’s young adult classic transports us back to 1973, where 11-year-old New Yorker Margaret (Abby Ryder Fortson – terrific) is uprooted from her home thanks to her father’s new job. Margaret has to start over in a cliquey New Jersey middle school where her schoolmates bewilderingly obsess over boys and teen bras, and long for their periods to start.

Lacking a confidante, Margaret endearingly entrusts her fears, trials and yearnings to a secret journal. Her doting grandmother, a hilariously extrovert, overbearing Kathy Bates – and art teacher mother Barbara – a wonderfully warm and expressive Rachel McAdams – also struggle to adapt to the move, and the film charts all their familial conflicts and tensions with much humour and empathy. With note-perfect production design and costume, Margaret offers a real treat with cross-generational appeal, perfect for Saturday morning cinema!

Dir. Kelly Fremon Craig, USA 2023, 106 mins. With Abby Ryder Fortson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates.

Certificate PG

Film sponsored by Baboo Gelato  

Gain deeper insight into the film with our curator, Andrew Chater, as he explores its themes, significance, and creative process. Watch the video below to hear his expert perspective.

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