Featured Image Credit: Lionsgate
Topics: Film and TV, Netflix, Streaming, Rotten Tomatoes
Ellie Kemp
Netflix is set to add a critically-acclaimed movie with a 99 percent Rotten Tomatoes score to its catalogue.
The streamer likes to shake things up every so often, removing some titles every week while adding dozens more.
This particular coming-of-age drama might have gone down a hit with critics, but it was a bit of a box-office flop.
Advert
So if you've maybe not heard of this one before, despite its stunning ratings, then that's probably why.
Based on Judy Blume’s classic 1970 novel, the movie follows Margaret Simon, an 11-year-old girl who moves with her family from New York City to the suburbs in New Jersey.
As she starts sixth grade, she navigates all the challenges of early adolescence, from new friendships and peer pressure to first crushes and the anxieties of puberty.
Advert
At the same time, Margaret begins to explore her spiritual identity. With a Christian mom, Barbara (Rachel McAdams) and a Jewish father, Herb (Benny Safdie), she feels torn about religion and often talks directly to God in her private prayers, asking questions about life, faith and her place in the world.
The movie also features a stand-out performance from acting royalty Kathy Bates, as Margaret's grandmother.
We're talking about, of course, Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
The 2023 flick is set to join Netflix on Thursday (September 11).
Advert
It was rated a near-perfect 99 percent by critics on Rotten Tomatoes, who said in their consensus: "Effervescent and refreshingly frank about the travails of puberty, this long-awaited adaptation does full justice to Judy Blume's seminal novel."
Great news if you've previously read the book and were a fan!
One hailed it a 'joyous gem' as a second critic agreed: "This warm wonderful film might still be set in the 70s but it feels just as relevant as Judy Blume's book did."
Fans, meanwhile, scored it a solid 94 percent across more than 250 reviews.
Advert
"I read this book as a kid and loved it. Brought back some amazing nostalgia. Enjoyed it a lot," one fan commented.
A number agreed how relevant the show's themes still were today, as somebody else said: "Quality movie! Everything from music, dialogue, and cinematography was on point. Rachel McAdams killed it with the role!"
The discussion continued over on Reddit, where one person admitted: "Just saw this film and I'm absolutely floored. One of my favorites of the year so far.
"So endlessly cute and charming."
Advert
Another social media user agreed: "Possibly now one of my favorite movies, period. Absolutely loved it and it resonated with me deeply. Could not have been more perfectly cast too."
When it was released two years back, financially, the movie fell short, grossing $21.5 million on a $30 million budget.
Although it did have some pretty tough competition, including from The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Evil Dead Rise.
Here's to hoping that Netflix can give it the revival and recognition it deserves!
Advert
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret joins Netflix on September 11.