The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Directed by: Stephen Chbosky | 103 minutes | drama, romance | Actors: Logan Lerman, Ezra Miller, Emma Watson, Nina Dobrev, Paul Rudd, Dylan McDermott, Kate Walsh, Patrick de Ledebur, Johnny Simmons, Brian Balzerini, Tom Kruszewski, Nicholas Braun, Julia Garner, Tom Savini, Emily Marie Callaway, Chelsea T. Zhang, Jesse Scheirer, Justine Nicole Schaefer, Julie Marie Schaefer, Melanie Lynskey, Leo Miles Farmerie, Isabel Muschweck, Adam Hagenbuch, Mae Whitman, Erin Wilhelmi, Reece Thompson, Zane Holtz, Timothy Breslin, Mark McClain Wilson, Atticus Cain, Stacy Chbosky, Dihlon McManne, Laurie Klatscher, Landon Pigg, Jennifer Enskat, William L. Thomas, Morgan Wolk, Joan Cusack, Susan Sarandon, Tim Currey

Charlie has had a rough year and is not looking forward to the coming school year. He has little hope that things will get better this year. In fact, he starts the first day with the countdown to the day he takes final exams. His future suddenly starts to look a lot brighter when senior Patrick and his stepsister Sam take him under their wing. Charlie is admitted to the Wallflowers and finally seems to find the acceptance he so desperately needs.

The American Stephen Chbosky (1970) wrote “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”, the book on which the film of the same name is based. He adapted his letter novel into a film script and also directed it. And not without success: ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ is a wonderful film that is reminiscent of the classic Howard Hughes films from the 80s like ‘The Breakfast Club’, but with a contemporary and unique touch. However, anyone who has enjoyed these kinds of films will certainly get a warm feeling from this film. As in any high school movie, not all clichés are avoided here, but because the story of ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ feels so authentic, it doesn’t bother anywhere. The plot is more original than most films in the genre and heavier subjects are not shunned.

It might be a bit silly to say that Emma Watson shows that she can do more than play Hermione in the Harry Potter series, but it’s no different. She shows with this role that she definitely has more to offer and you have almost immediately forgotten the character with which she became famous. Lead actor Logar Lerman also manages to convince as the vulnerable Charlie. But Ezra Miller is especially impressive as the flamboyant Patrick. After the disturbing ‘We Need to Talk about Kevin’ in which he also very cleverly aroused the aversion of the audience, he seems to effortlessly move and arouse sympathy here. And although his fellow players also perform very well, he is really the one who steals the show in ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’. The chemistry between the three main characters is very natural.

‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ was clearly made with a lot of love and that makes this film a joy to watch. A perfect mix between drama, humor and a love story with a nice nostalgic feeling.