The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
About This Movie
A shy, introspective freshman named Charlie navigates his first year of high school after a devastating personal loss, finding salvation in two magnetic seniors who introduce him to music, literature, Rocky Horror Picture Show screenings, and the terrifying thrill of actually participating in life. The film captures the intensity of teenage friendship with an almost painful accuracy, and the performances by Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller are deeply felt. The tunnel scene will make you want to stand up in a moving vehicle and scream that you feel infinite.
Why It's a Classic
Stephen Chbosky adapted and directed his own beloved novel, which had been a quietly influential teen classic since its publication in 1999, and the resulting film honors the book's emotional honesty while adding the visceral power of music and performance. The film treats its characters' mental health struggles, trauma, and identity questions with a seriousness and compassion that was uncommon in teen films at the time. Ezra Miller's Patrick is one of the most charismatic supporting performances in a teen film, bringing humor and heartbreak to a character dealing with the closeted reality of being gay in a hostile environment. The film understands that the friends who save you in high school are not always the ones you keep forever, and that realization is part of what makes growing up both beautiful and painful.
Fun Fact
Chbosky originally wrote the novel as a series of letters after being inspired by his own experiences growing up in Pittsburgh, and the film was shot in the same Pittsburgh locations he had in mind while writing. The 'Heroes' tunnel scene used David Bowie's actual recording, and Chbosky has said the scene is based on a real experience from his own adolescence.
Parent Note
The film addresses childhood sexual abuse revealed in a flashback, teen drug and alcohol use, a suicide attempt, and a character's struggles with being gay in an unwelcoming environment. These topics are handled with sensitivity and care. The emotional intensity can be significant, particularly the abuse revelation near the end. A valuable film for teens dealing with similar issues, and one that may benefit from watching with a trusted adult.
Quick Facts
- Year
- 2012
- Type
- 🎬 Movie
- Category
- Coming of Age
- Age Group
- Teens (Ages 14–17)