This is a film adaptation of an iconic novel about a preteen girl experiencing the start of puberty as she also tries to establish her own spiritual identity while being raised by a Christian mother and a Jewish father. Abby Ryder Fortson is magnetic and utterly charming in the title role. Unassuming but also wise beyond her years, she conveys preteen angst effortlessly. She has a powerful ability for her age to think for herself. One can only look at her deliberative, independent mind and think "Hallelujah!"
It's a well-acted drama all around. Rachel McAdams and Ben Safdie are excellent as her progressive parents who scramble to keep up with the Jonses. Kathy Bates is a joy as her Jewish grandmother who considers the question of her granddaughter's faith settled. The film also boasts strong period detail and a great recreation of the Tristate area in the early 1970s.
Recommended to those who love a great coming-of-age film that tackles challenging questions of faith and sexual maturity. It doesn't pretend to have all the answers but its protagonist is genuine to the core and never hits a false note.
It's a well-acted drama all around. Rachel McAdams and Ben Safdie are excellent as her progressive parents who scramble to keep up with the Jonses. Kathy Bates is a joy as her Jewish grandmother who considers the question of her granddaughter's faith settled. The film also boasts strong period detail and a great recreation of the Tristate area in the early 1970s.
Recommended to those who love a great coming-of-age film that tackles challenging questions of faith and sexual maturity. It doesn't pretend to have all the answers but its protagonist is genuine to the core and never hits a false note.