The Perks of Being a Wallflower - A Movie Review

Friendship. Friendship is a gift. Never underestimate this extraordinary gift.

Based on the book of the same name, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a 2012 film about a teenage boy beginning his freshman year of high school. Meeting a group of kids known as ‘wallflowers’, Charlie slowly opens up to the world but continues to inwardly battle his own mental health.

For anyone who is struggling, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a heart-wrenching and beautiful film about the world of a teenager. The story easily connects to young adult audiences. Nobody should ever fight their battles alone. One of the best morals of The Perks of Being a Wallflower is the value of friendship.

Logan Lerman connects to Charlie. One of my favorite parts about his performance is his vulnerability. Charlie’s journey reflects a monumental impact on those who have struggled with mental health. We cannot face our battles alone. Lerman is outstanding, grappling with emotion, connecting with his new peers, and his deep thoughts that he writes in a journal.

This may have been the first film in which I saw Emma Watson portraying someone else other than Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series. Watson is incredible! Sam acts like she has her life in order, but refuses to ask for help thinking that it will make people think differently about her.

One of my favorite qualities about Ezra Miller’s performance is his comical comebacks to hide secrets that he withholds from the world. I admire his interactions with each character, bringing out a different trait that we never saw.

The ensemble of The Perks of Being a Wallflower is remarkable. Mae Whitman, Erin Wilhelmi, Paul Rudd, Nina Dobrev, Johnny Simmons, Kate Walsh, and Dylan McDermott all delivered powerful performances. Expect a memorable appearance by Joan Cusack.

Charlie’s relationship with each character is very important. We get a sense of how his mental health has affected other people. No one’s journey is battled alone.

The editing for the film solidifies Charlie’s mind. In a way, the editing is a character, expanding on Charlie’s deteriorating mind. Without having to go into detail, we immediately understand Charlie’s behavior with images that plague his mind. Just because we don’t get inside the minds of other characters does not mean they are also facing battles, too.

Stephen Chbosky had the incredible opportunity to be the director of his own successful novel, bringing it to life on the big screen. Changing some aspects from the book to work in the movie, I admire his attention to character and relationships. He captured every moment in vivid camera angles, moving music, and one of the best-directed climaxes.

Vulnerability is a common theme. High school is the most important time in everyone’s life. I enjoyed high school because I found what I was good at and grew. Still, there are moments of high school that make people bottle up their feelings. Mental health is one aspect that begins to come to attention. We need to look out for ourselves, and each other. We’re young adults now.

It’s also very important to make a connection with teachers. The bond that Charlie forms with his English teacher, Mr. Anderson (Rudd) is heartwarming. English is one of my favorite subjects in which I have expanded because of my teachers. Teachers are here to make a difference.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a beautiful story reaching out to those who are struggling. It is emotional, deep, and reminds us all that we are not alone. Go find it on Netflix and enjoy this moving picture.