Perks of Being a Wallflower

Gone are the days of vacant teenage movies.  Modern high school dramas can no longer be all about finding a great date for prom or simply being unpopular. Like the comic book genre teen movies need to have a bit of wit and darkness about them. Perks of Being a Wallflower follows this mature trend and does it successfully.

The film is an adaption of the late 90s novel of the same name by Stephen Chbosky, who also wrote the screenplay and directed the feature. The story follows a quiet boy called Charlie as he completes his year at high school. During the year he goes through many phases we associate with being an awkward teenager: not fitting in; being bullied; falling in love; discovering yourself. But, on top of all this, the film tackles heavier content such as homosexuality, drugs and suicide. This heavy subject matter is handled with a compassionate touch that allows the audience to be moved by the situation without beating them over the head with how tragic it is. The film also doesn’t reveal everything all at once. Instead, some mystery is contained and audiences are left guessing right up until the end.

As with other films in this genre, Perks of Being a Wallflower will fly or fall on the backs of the main cast. Fortunately, this main cast is exceptional. Audiences will become emotionally invested in all three lead characters. Logan Lerman plays Charlie and is instantly likable. Although he may be socially awkward, Lerman shows that Charlie has a kind heart, an enquiring mind, and emotional maturity well beyond his years. Lerman portrays incredible vulnerability with Charlie’s character, having him always just a little bit away from snapping.

The other male lead is Patrick, played by Ezra Miller. Miller swaps the quiet control he used to play the title character in We Need to Talk About Kevin and goes for full comic timing with Patrick. Patrick is the comedic relief with his bitchy put downs and flamboyant nature that Miller is able to pull off with ease. But this character also has darkness that is explored in the film, mainly revolving around Patrick being gay. Although he himself is fine with it, which is refreshing in an adolescent film, there are still difficult issues revolving around being gay in a small community. Miller is able to switch between the lighter and heavier moments seamlessly.

The final lead actor probably has the most to prove. Emma Watson, of Harry Potter fame, plays Sam, Patrick’s stepsister and love interest of Charlie. Watson has not always been considered to be worth the large sums she has been paid. Like her Harry Potter co-stars she likely chose this role wanting to prove she can do more than just wave a wand.  With this film she made the right choice, and with a good script she shines. The character of Sam requires outward confidence, but a fragile little girl on the inside. Watson manages to balance the two perfectly making the love interest appear to be more than just the prettiest girl in the school. Sam’s brokenness is what attracts Charlie to her and is what attracts the audience’s affection. Watson also shows great chemistry with both Miller and Lerman, more chemistry than she showed with her male leads in Harry Potter.

Music plays a vital part in Charlie’s teenage awakening, so along with a great cast the film can boast an exceptional soundtrack. Set in the early 90s the film makes references to Rocky Horror, David Bowie, the Smiths, and many other indie bands of the time. It may not be the most up beat of soundtracks, but writer and director Chbosky handpicked them to add extra emotion to the story.

This is not just any old ‘teen getting through high school’ film, but one that has real heart and depth to it. In the same way Easy A made teen films more witty, Perks of Being a Wallflower makes them deeper.

Degree- 2:1

A witty film about being a high school outcast.

Maybe a little too saccharine or predictable for some,

but it is certainly a cut above most in the genre.