Whimsy and tenderness reign in "Wonder"
One of the most pure and heart-warming films I’ve seen.
Prepare for blast off
Based on the award-winning novel of the same name, “Wonder” is a family drama that follows Auggie (Jacob Tremblay), a home-schooler who starts attending a private school as he begins middle school. He’s really nervous about it. As Auggie tells us, “Since I’ve never been to a real school before, I’m pretty much totally petrified.” His family is nervous about it too—because Auggie isn’t exactly like other kids.
He was born with “mandibulofacial dysostosis” (Treacher Collins syndrome). But he’s just like other kids in a lot of ways—he loves his dog and family and space and science, and he really loves “Star Wars.” He just looks a little different from other kids. So, he wears his astronaut helmet all the time—until his dad makes him take it off.
Although I had never read the book, I’ve been excited for the release of this film since I heard about it. Jacob Tremblay is one of my favorite up-and-coming young actors. He’s barely recognizable with the prosthetic makeup, but even so, the makeup is unable to hide his adorableness. Although only 11, he is an amazingly talented and mature actor. The whole cast is altogether great, from the familiar faces of Julia Roberts, Mandy Patinkin, Daveed Diggs (I see you, Hamilton fans) and Owen Wilson, to the young actors like Izabela Vidovic (who plays Auggie’s sister, Via) and the talented group of kids who play Auggie’s classmates.
Wonderful
I used to say that if a movie could make me cry, it had done its job well. It’s important to me that a movie makes me care about the characters enough that I’d cry for them, and “Wonder” does exactly that—a lot.
From the moment I’m introduced to Auggie, I genuinely like him. He’s a charming kid as he is all-around funny, sweet, and precocious. Nonetheless we know that he’s going to go through a lot for a little guy.
While the movie’s main focus is definitely on Auggie and his struggles, we also get deep into how those close to him are affected. We find out why some characters do the strange, sometimes even hurtful things they do. We care for both the genuinely likable and the imperfect.
“Wonder” flows surprisingly well for a book-to-film adaptation. It feels like a book sometimes—in the best way—and it conveys the authentic yet whimsical charm books bring to the table. I really enjoyed how the film played out almost like chapters of a book, and this characteristic could be due to the director’s experience.
Director Stephen Chbosky, also one of the screenwriters on the film, is known for his novel “Perks of Being a Wallflower.” He would later write and direct the film adaptation of the novel. It was a great idea to get a novelist to help adapt “Wonder” for the screen.
Choose Kind
“Wonder” is a captivating tale. It is both fun and whimsical at times but also very raw. It’s one of the most real films I’ve seen in a while. It does not shy away from the cruelty of bullies. It’s honest about family and relationships. It has a cast of characters anyone can relate to. I saw myself in multiple characters, but even if you don’t, you will love and feel for them.
This isn’t just a film to make you cry, though—it makes you think. No matter your age, there’s lessons to be learned from the film about friendship, love, kindness and acceptance.
I appreciated the portrayal of family in this movie. No matter the struggle, disagreement or hurt, you can see how much they genuinely love one another. One of my favorite parts is Auggie’s sister, Via. Because her brother gets all their parents' attention due to his multiple surgeries and homeschooling, Via doesn't get much time with her parents. Sometimes she struggles with a sort of resentment, but no matter what, she really loves her brother.
One of my favorite scenes is where Via gets really hurt, but she recognizes how much pain her little brother is in and takes the focus off herself to help him. There are a variety of important messages to take away from this moment—especially how very important it is to reach beyond ourselves to help and care for others.
During a time of darkness and negativity on every corner, “Wonder” is a breath of fresh air. The film is collectively emotional, thought-provoking, and witty. Most of all, it is uplifting and inspiring.
Rated: PG (for thematic elements including bullying, and some mild language)
Runtime: 113 minutes
