Bianca Wooden
Rachel McAdams is bringing life to a character from one of the most well-loved coming-of-age books of all time.
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Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret tells the story of 11-year-old Margaret, who is wrestling with religion while going through the trials and tribulations of puberty. McAdams plays her mom, Barbara Simon, who is doing her best to raise her daughter while navigating her troubled relationship with her own parents.
The Disobedience actress told People that being a mom of two in real life has had a huge impact on her performance in the role.
“As a mom, it’s not too, too hard to find the messiness, the privilege of getting to watch a child grow up and be their parent,” she said. “I think that’s a really lucky place, a spot to be in, and I think Barb feels that.”
McAdams Plays Margaret’s Mom in Beloved Judy Blume Story
Rachel McAdams also talked about how she sees her character’s approach to motherhood.
“She’s such a great mom. She’s imperfect, but that makes her perfect,” she said. “I think she’s still getting over having parents that didn’t support her. So she wants to be incredibly supportive of her daughter, almost to a fault.”
The 44-year-old actress also spoke to Entertainment Tonight about her relationship to the role.
“Coming to this as a mom was very different for me,” she said. “To see through those eyes, you just remind yourself of what it was to be that age, and how hard it was. I’m like, ‘Oh, don’t worry about that stuff.’ But of course, you’re worrying about that stuff. That’s so sort of patronizing to say, ‘It’ll be fine.’ So, you gotta get back in your 12-year-old skin and realize how much everything mattered.”
Reflecting on her own adolescence, the Notebook star said, ” I don’t know that I’d want to go back.” She added, “If I could go back with the wisdom, all the wisdom I have now, sure. But if just had to go right back? No way. No thank you.”
Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret is coming to theaters April 28.
