This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 109! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hey there, friends! 🌻
Last night, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” caught my eye while I was scrolling through my ever-growing movie queue and decided it was high time for a watch. Now, I’ve gotta admit, I read the book a gazillion years ago, and while the specifics have kinda blurred together in my memory, that warm, fuzzy feeling it left me with? Totally unforgettable. I remember loving it to bits. Fast forward to now, the movie somehow managed to capture that same magic, maybe even amp it up a notch (don’t tell the book purists, okay?).
Directed by the book’s own author, Stephen Chbosky, this film is like the ultimate throwback to those awkward, yet somehow magical high school days. First off, the plot: It’s about this introverted freshman, Charlie, played by Logan Lerman, who’s trying to navigate the shark-infested waters of high school. Sounds like a typical teen movie, right? Wrong. It’s so much more. Charlie is basically a walking introvert emoji. Think shy smiles, oversized sweaters, and a serious case of wallflower-itis.
He’s dealing with some heavy stuff from his past, and just when you think he’s going to get swallowed up in the high school abyss, along come Sam (Emma Watson, in a role that’s a galaxy away from Hermione) and her stepbrother Patrick (Ezra Miller, who is a literal force of nature), acting as Charlie’s lifeline. They’re the cool kids who aren’t really the “cool kids,” know what I mean? They’re seniors who are basically everything Charlie isn’t: cool, confident, and radiating charisma like human disco balls. They take him under their wing, introducing him to their world of late-night diner runs, mixtapes, Rocky Horror Picture Show, and the kind of friendship that makes you believe you’ve found your people.
Watching their friendship unfold is a treat. You know, it’s the kind that says, “You’re weird, I’m weird, let’s be weird together.” Logan Lerman is perfectly cast as Charlie, capturing his vulnerability and quiet strength with nuance. Emma Watson as Sam is a revelation. She sheds the image of the brainy Hermione to become this free-spirited, yet deeply vulnerable character. And Ezra Miller as Patrick? He steals every scene he’s in with his wit and bravado, yet showing a tender side that just breaks your heart.
But back to Charlie. Well, he’s got baggage, and it’s heavy. We slowly unravel his past traumas, navigating the murky waters of mental health with raw honesty. It’s not always easy to watch, but Chbosky handles it with a delicate touch, reminding us that even the quietest wallflowers have stories to tell, and they deserve to be heard.
I gotta say, the film does a stellar job of capturing the essence of being a teen. It’s got all the highs and lows of teenage life, the messiness, the moments of pure joy, and those punches in the gut when life throws curveballs. Chbosky has this way of making you feel seen, capturing the essence of those formative years. It’s like he took a page out of every teen’s diary and said, “Here, I see you.”
Oh, and can we talk about the soundtrack for a sec? It’s a mixtape on its own. David Bowie, The Smiths, Air Supply? It’s like they raided my high school vinyl collection and I’m here for it. Every song fits the moment so perfectly, you’d think they were written for the film.
One of my favorite scenes is the tunnel scene, where they drive through Pittsburgh at night with David Bowie’s “Heroes” blasting. It’s one of those moments that makes you feel infinite. Yeah, I know, it sounds cheesy when I say it like that, but watch the scene, and tell me you don’t feel a little something stir inside you.
Now, here’s the thing: this movie isn’t afraid to get real. It tackles tough topics like loss, love, and identity with unflinching honesty. There are moments that will make you laugh out loud, but there are also scenes that will punch you right in the feels (I’m not crying, you’re crying!). But that’s the beauty of it, right? It doesn’t shy away from the messy, complicated stuff that makes us human.
As an FYI, the movie was actually shot in Pittsburgh, where the story is set. It adds this layer of authenticity that just makes everything feel more real, you know?
Looking back, reading the book all those years ago was like finding a friend in the pages, and watching the movie felt like catching up with an old pal. It’s funny, heartbreaking, and everything in between. If you’re craving a poignant story about friendship, self-discovery, and the beauty of being different, then this movie is a must-watch.
So, if you haven’t watched “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” yet, what you waiting for? Go forth and wallflower no more!
Until tomorrow, happy movie watching!
Roger