Watch The Perks of Being a Wallflower
- PG-13
- 2012
- 1 hr 42 min
-
7.9 (555,924)
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age drama film from 2012 directed by Stephen Chbosky, who also wrote the novel of the same name. The film follows the life of Charlie, played by Logan Lerman, a lonely and introverted high school freshman who is struggling to cope with the recent suicide of his best friend. As Charlie starts his first year of high school, he is befriended by step-siblings Patrick and Sam, portrayed by Ezra Miller and Emma Watson, respectively. The two seniors invite Charlie to hang out with their group of misfit friends and introduce him to new experiences, such as going to parties and participating in the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Along the way, Charlie falls in love with Sam and learns to confront his past traumas and mental health struggles.
In addition to the central trio of Charlie, Patrick, and Sam, the supporting cast includes notable actors such as Paul Rudd, Melanie Lynskey, and Mae Whitman. Each character brings their own unique struggles and quirks to the table, creating a poignant and realistic depiction of the difficulties of adolescence.
One of the most noteworthy aspects of the film is its attention to detail in portraying the time period of the 1990s, with a killer soundtrack featuring hits such as "Come on Eileen" and "Heroes" and nods to cultural touchstones like Nirvana and The Smiths. The visuals are also stunning, with biting cinematography and creative editing that helps to immerse the viewer in Charlie's perspective.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is not your typical teen movie with a simple happy ending. Instead, it deals with heavy themes such as mental illness, trauma, and sexuality in a nuanced and compassionate way. The film's exploration of these topics is a major factor in its critical acclaim, as it has often been praised for its honesty and depth.
Overall, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a powerful and emotional film that captures the confusion, sorrow, and beauty of growing up. With a talented cast and director, excellent source material, and a thoughtful approach to its themes, it is a standout in the coming-of-age genre.
"The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a touching and insightful look at the challenges of adolescence that is sure to leave an impact on viewers."
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 67.