Adapted from Stephen Chbosky‘s popular Novel, The Perks of Being a Wallflower easily is my favourite Film of 2012 thus far. Driven by some superb performances from an immensely-talented young Ensemble Cast, fronted by Logan Lerman as High School Freshman Charlie, the Coming of Age Drama will have you wishing you were young forever. Also wearing Director and Screenwriter’s Cap, Chbosky delivers an authentic and heartfelt range of emotions, touching upon themes of love, loss and friendship, told through a trio of three beautifully-written and complex Characters.
Dealing with his own set of personal issues, including the loss of a dearly-loved Aunt and Best Friend, Charlie transitions into High School life with the help of spunky High School Seniors, Patrick (Ezra Miller) and Sam (Emma Watson). With the friendship of these Step-Siblings, he breaks out of his introverted shell, discovering what it means to feel acceptance for the first time in his life as an Outsider. With a cloud of uncertainty dwelling over their Friendship as Patrick and Sam transition into Adulthood, Charlie finds himself caught-up in Patrick‘s own struggles in dealing with his secret romance with a High School Jock, at once falling helplessly in-love with Sam, whose affections belong to another. As the School Year rapidly approaches an end, we wonder what will become of Charlie once his support network seems inevitably to disappear?
I will be the first to admit I was floored by Lerman’s performance here, attacking the complexities and subtleties demanded of his deeply-troubled Charlie. He embodies perfectly the highs and lows of being a young Adult, drawing us into his World as Wallflowers in his life. Watson transcends her v. public perception as being Hermione and is absolutely radiant here. One beautifully captured scene which sees her standing in the wind as she is driven through a tunnel, is a vivid memory soon to stamp itself upon the Public Psyche. Quirky Miller, who wowed us last year in Thriller We Need to Talk About Kevin, will blow you away once again in a daring and daunting assignment here.
I was deeply affected by The Perks of Wallflower. Anyone who ever has faced adversity in their life or felt they didn’t belong will find comfort in this refreshingly honest bit of a Masterpiece. Yes, I’ll be seeing this one twice. eOne Films releases – now in theatres.
Click here to see my Snap with Logan Lerman at TIFF 2012.
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