Note: Although this movie is rated PG-13, it deals with very sensitive subject matter. Please look at content warnings online before watching. Minor spoilers ahead!

 

Although it has been 12 years since The Perks of Being A Wallflower was released, I strongly believe that it is the most spot-on coming of age film to ever be made. Based on a novel by Stephen Chbosky, who also serves as director and screenwriter, this movie masterfully deals with serious topics like mental health, loss, and self-discovery in a way that makes you not only feel for, but relate to all of the characters. 

 

The plot follows Charlie (Logan Lerman), a socially-awkward teenager about to enter high school. Suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Charlie struggles to make friends until he meets Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller). Through their support and guidance from Mr. Anderson (Paul Rudd), Charlie’s English teacher, Charlie tries to figure out his identity and place in the world. 

 

If you’ve seen the movie, or even just heard of it in passing, you’ve probably heard its most famous quote, “We accept the love we think we deserve.”. This sums up the movie and its most important theme: friendship. The screenplay flows beautifully and displays Charlie’s connection to the quote. He didn’t consider himself worthy of love and struggled to make meaningful connections in the world until he met Sam and Patrick. Their friendship helped Charlie understand that he deserves to be happy even though life may seem daunting. Every scene in this movie added to that storyline, from dancing their hearts out at the prom, to the iconic tunnel scene. Every minute frames this quote and by the end, the quote might just change your life like it did Charlie’s. 

 

There are tons of fantastic performances in The Perks of Being a Wallflower but Logan Lerman really takes his character to the next level. Just by looking at a still from the movie, you can see every single emotion he is feeling, from pure joy to soul crushing pain. His depth and authenticity while playing the character makes you feel empathy for Charlie and all of his struggles. His acting is the reason why so many people, including me, can relate to Charlie’s experiences. (I spent 3 hours crying about his character after I finished the movie!) 

 

I like to think of this movie as perfect but every movie has its flaws. The soundtrack and the discourse around it throughout the movie is where some viewers’ frustrations lie. The main characters are meant to be “different” and somewhat “quirky” and their music taste is intended to reflect that. Which is why it was disappointing when these music obsessed characters didn’t know the song “Heroes” by David Bowie. Sam and Patrick were supposed to be music experts but to not know one of Bowie’s biggest songs? Shocking. Contrary to the critics though, I think it doesn’t take too much away from the main plot of the movie. The plot shines vibrantly over its musical failures.

 

Before watching Perks, I thought it was just another teen movie: overrated and a waste of time. After watching it though, I feel like I gained a greater understanding of what being a teenager is like (it’s cheesy, I know). It’s so easy to feel like you’re alone in this world as a young person which is why it was shocking for me to feel so represented by a random kid on a screen. I, like Charlie, felt alone at the beginning of high school but by making some great friends, I was able to come out of my shell. The Perks of Being A Wallflower is a love letter to anyone who has ever felt alone or like they don’t fit in. I hope you’ll check it out and I hope this movie will mean as much to you as it did me.