In 1970, 11-year-old Margaret Simon (Abby Ryder Fortson) is uprooted from her life in New York City to a New Jersey suburb, as her father (David Cross) has received a promotion. Margaret is upset about moving away from her friends and Sylvia, her beloved paternal grandmother. She begins to communicate with God about her concerns, anxieties, and hopes.

Upon moving to New Jersey, she is quickly befriended by her neighbor and soon-to-be classmate Nancy Wheeler (Elle Graham), who welcomes her into her friend group that includes two other girls, Gretchen Potter (Katherine Mallen Kupferer) and Janie Loomis (Amari Price). Margaret’s teacher Mr. Benedict (Ben Schwartz) assigns the class a year-long research assignment on different religions. When he learns Margaret dislikes religious holidays, she explains that since her mother (Rachel McAdams) is a Christian and her father is Jewish, her family does not observe the holidays and has left it up to Margaret to decide on her own religious identity as she grows older.

Margaret begins to explore her religious identity, trying out different religions and attending different places of worship. She also begins to explore her changing body and her feelings about boys. She is excited to start her period, but she is also nervous. She worries about what her friends will think, and she worries about how her body will change.

Margaret’s journey is not always easy, but she is surrounded by supportive friends and family. She learns that it is okay to be different, and she learns that it is okay to ask for help. She also learns that it is okay to not have all the answers.

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is a coming-of-age story about friendship, family, and faith. It is a heartwarming film that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt lost or uncertain.