‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret’ trailer brings iconic Judy Blume book to life
Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret is in theaters April 28
One of Judy Blume’s most famous novels is finally being adapted for the big screen.
Lionsgate published the first trailer for Are You There God? on Thursday. It’s Me, Margaret, based on author Judy Blume’s acclaimed 1970 novel of the same name, stars Abby Ryder Fortson as the titular 11-year-old, Rachel McAdams as Margaret’s mother Barbara, and Kathy Bates as Margaret’s grandma Sylvia.
Kelly Fremon Craig, who directed and wrote 2016’s The Edge of Seventeen, wrote and directed this picture. Elle Graham and Benny Safdie also appear.
The teaser depicts Margaret praying for help with puberty and new classmates as she struggles to fit in in a new place, all while her mother Barbara works to stay afloat.
At a new school, Margaret and her peers learn about puberty, purchase bras and feminine hygiene products for the first time, experience their first kisses, and daydream about life at 19, teases the trailer, which is set to George Harrison’s iconic 1970 song “What is Life.”
According to the official synopsis, Margaret is dealing with a new school, Barbara is still “finding her own footing in a new environment,” and grandmother Sylvia is attempting to find “happiness in the next part of her life” as her loved ones move away.
Despite the fact that Margaret and Barbara have moved away, “issues of identity, one’s position in the world, and what gives life meaning” pull the three protagonists “closer together than ever before.”
McAdams, 44, recently told PEOPLE she was thrilled to have the author on set during the making of the film.
“Watching her watch her book come to life and to be a part of that was just so surreal,” she said. “She’s the loveliest lady and I felt very honored to be part of this for that reason. That she waited so, so long to do this until she felt really good about giving it over. I just wanted to do right by her and give her the best Barb I could.”
Bates, 74, went on to say, “The book is definitely about a young girl who is maturing into a young woman and embracing her femininity. And I believe that women have been taught throughout history to be negative about their bodies and the processes that their bodies go through. This film, I believe, will make young women feel better about their bodies.”
God, are you there? It’s Me, Margaret will be released in theatres on April 28.