TL;DR
The Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret movie is a rare 10/10 adaptation that manages to be both nostalgic for parents and deeply relevant for today’s pre-teens. It’s the perfect "bridge" movie for kids aged 10-13 who are aging out of Disney+ but aren't quite ready for the heavy themes of Euphoria. It tackles puberty, religious identity, and toxic friend groups with zero cringe and a lot of heart.
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If you missed the cultural phenomenon of the 1970s, Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume was the book that every girl passed around in secret because it talked about the things adults usually whispered about: getting your first period, buying your first bra, and wondering if God actually exists or if He’s just a silent observer of your awkwardness.
The 2023 movie adaptation stays true to the 1970s setting. Margaret Simon is 11, her family just moved from NYC to the suburbs of New Jersey, and she’s trying to navigate a new friend group led by the bossy Nancy Wheeler. Margaret is also caught in a "religious "no-man's-land"—her mom is Christian, her dad is Jewish, and after a family falling out, they decided to raise her with no religion so she could "choose" later.
It’s a coming-of-age story that doesn't rely on flashy effects or high-stakes drama. The "stakes" are simply: Will I be the last one in the secret club to get my period? And for an 11-year-old, that is everything.
We live in an era of "Stage 4 Brain Rot" content and TikTok trends that make 12-year-olds feel like they need a 10-step skincare routine before they even hit middle school. The Margaret movie is a necessary palate cleanser.
It matters because it validates the internal life of a pre-teen. In a world where kids are constantly performing for an audience on Instagram or Snapchat, Margaret’s story is about her private conversations with herself (and God). It reminds kids that it’s okay to be confused, it’s okay to be "late" to the party of physical development, and it’s okay to question the traditions your family holds dear.
Ask our chatbot about more movies that tackle body image and self-esteem
Let’s be real: most adaptations of "classics" are garbage. They either try too hard to be modern (adding unnecessary TikTok dances) or they’re so stiff they feel like a museum exhibit.
This movie is neither. Rachel McAdams (the mom) and Abby Ryder Fortson (Margaret) have a chemistry that feels like a real family. The movie doesn't shy away from the "gross" or "embarrassing" parts of being a girl. There’s a scene involving a sanitary pad and a belt (because 1970s period tech was basically medieval) that is both hilarious and informative.
If your kid is used to the fast-paced, high-octane energy of MrBeast or Fortnite, the pacing of this movie might feel "slow" at first. Stick with it. It’s the kind of slow that allows for actual character development. It’s a "human" movie, which is a refreshing change of pace from the AI-generated feel of many modern Netflix originals.
The movie is rated PG-13, which might give some parents of 10-year-olds pause. Here is the No-BS breakdown of why that rating exists:
- Language: A few "choice" words, but nothing you haven't heard on a middle school bus.
- Puberty: Extensive talk about menstruation, breast development, and "practicing" kissing. There is a scene where the girls look at a book of anatomy to see what boys look like. It’s handled with curiosity, not prurience.
- Religion: It deals with the conflict between Jewish and Christian grandparents. If your family is deeply religious, you’ll want to be ready for Margaret’s "God, are you there?" questions, which are more about searching than rejecting.
Screenwise Recommendation:
- Ages 9 and under: Probably too bored or confused by the themes.
- Ages 10-12: The Sweet Spot. This is exactly when they need this movie.
- Ages 13+: Still great, but they might act "too cool" for it (watch it anyway).
Check out our guide on navigating PG-13 content for 10-year-olds
One of the best ways to use this movie is to talk about the lack of technology.
- Margaret doesn't have a smartphone. When she wants to talk to her friends, she uses a landline with a cord that stretches into the hallway.
- When a boy "likes" her, it's a note or a look, not a "like" on a photo.
- The "bullying" happens in person, in secret clubs, not via a Discord server or a group chat.
This provides a great opening to ask your kid: "Do you think it was easier to be a kid then or now?" Most kids will say "now" because of the games, but the movie might make them realize that the pressure of being constantly "on" is a uniquely modern burden.
Don't make this a lecture. Don't sit them down with a PowerPoint. Just watch the movie, eat some popcorn, and wait for the credits. Then, maybe ask:
- On Friendships: "Nancy was kind of a lot, wasn't she? Have you ever felt like you had to agree with a friend just to stay in the group?"
- On Growing Up: "The 'we must, we must, we must increase our bust' exercise is hilarious. Do you feel like there's that same kind of pressure to look a certain way now?" (Note: They will likely mention Instagram or "Preppy" culture).
- On Faith: "Margaret was really trying to find where she fit in. Do you ever think about the 'big questions' she was asking God?"
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret is a "must-watch" for intentional parents. It’s not "brain rot." It’s not a cynical cash grab. It’s a thoughtful, funny, and sometimes painful look at the moment a child starts to become an adult.
If you're looking for a way to open the door to conversations about periods, social pressure, or faith without it being "The Talk," this movie is your best friend.
Next Steps
- Watch it together: It’s currently streaming on several platforms like Hulu.
- Read the book: If they liked the movie, get them the original Judy Blume book.
- Compare it: Watch Turning Red next weekend to see a more modern, metaphorical take on the same life stage.
Ask our chatbot for a list of "Coming of Age" movies for boys