The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a 2012 movie directed by Stephen Chbosky, adapted from his 1999 novel. The movie follows Charlie (Logan Lerman) as he starts high school after his best friend committed suicide. On his own, he eventually becomes friends with Sam (Emma Watson) and her stepbrother, Patrick (Ezra Miller), who welcome him into their circle, bringing him to parties and taking him on music-filled drives. While coping with weighty issues like mental health and childhood sexual abuse, Charlie begins to grow up and embrace the world around him. Perks was a critical and commercial success, with wide praise for its cast, writing, themes, and emotional depth. The movie recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, and still remains a near-perfect movie. It’s not only a great coming-of-age movie, but an excellent movie, period. Let’s look back on the film after 10 years.
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The Cast
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The movie revolves around Charlie, and Lerman’s performance is incredible. He makes every part of Charlie believable, bringing real humor and emotion. In an interview with Script Magazine, Chbosky says that he auditioned two people for the part, and cast Lerman after just a few seconds, citing his “ability to be awkward and cute, funny and sad, but never a victim.” He perfected Charlie’s shyness and growing confidence, while hinting at his hidden anguish.
Watson also excels as Sam, capturing both her bold confidence and insecurities. She’s exciting enough to lead Charlie into her outer world, and vulnerable enough to show him her inner one. What’s also refreshing is that while she’s Charlie’s crush, she’s much more than a love interest character. She has her own successes and struggles and her own full personality. Miller completes the trio as Patrick, a gay teenager who is the first to befriend Charlie. Yes, Miller has recently been marked by illegal behaviors and mental health concerns. But their performance in this movie is still worthy of recognition. Like Sam, Patrick isn’t solely the gay character. He is charming and passionate, and really cares for his friends. Chbosky, speaking with Vanity Fair, said he wanted Patrick to be “the coolest kid in the movie,” and Miller brings that coolness and adventurous spirit to the role. All three have great chemistry together and feel like friends.
Even the supporting roles fit perfectly into the central trio. Mae Whitman is great in a memorable turn as Charlie’s girlfriend, Mary Elizabeth. Kate Walsh and Dylan McDermott have a few small, but touching scenes as Charlie’s parents. Finally, Paul Rudd provides the warmth and guidance Charlie needs as his English teacher, Mr. Anderson. The entire cast’s performances raise Perks beyond the typical coming-of-age movie.
The Plot and Themes
The plot of Charlie making friends and maturing is typical for most teen movies, but Perks has hidden depths and tackles serious issues. Charlie explains from the start that he has spent time in a mental hospital. His mental health continues to deteriorate; we learn that his aunt died on Christmas Eve, and that he blames himself because she was buying his birthday present. This growing darkness lurks behind the lighter moments of Charlie attending The Rocky Horror Picture Show with his friends, or his crush on Sam. In the end, it’s revealed that Charlie’s aunt sexually abused him when he was a kid.
The topics of mental health and sexual abuse are handled well. They’re grounded and realistic, and aren’t featured excessively or just for show. The revelation that he was sexually abused further develops his character, and further connects him to Sam, who was sexually abused by her father’s boss. Additionally, the revelation doesn’t feel too graphic or depressing, and Charlie is able to get the help he needs and feel hopeful about his future, tying into the themes of love and growth.
The theme of love is present early, as Charlie watches his sister’s boyfriend hit her. When he asks Mr. Anderson why people choose the wrong people to love, he replies with the oft-quoted line, “We accept the love we think we deserve.” This is true of Charlie’s sister, but later applies to Sam, who dates an older boy who cheats on her; and Patrick, who loves the school’s quarterback, but has to hide his feelings. Perks shows that the love we receive isn’t always best for us, but we can find the better love we deserve. Sam breaks up with her boyfriend and focuses on herself, as does Patrick. Even Charlie learns to accept love from others and himself, no longer blaming himself for his aunt’s death, or the abuse he went through. This theme of hope and moving on from the past is felt most triumphantly at the end, when Sam and Patrick take Charlie to the tunnel again. This time, he rides in the back of the truck, standing and embracing the world. He believes he can be okay again, and that life is worth living.
The Music
One final feature of the movie worth mentioning is the music. Sam and Patrick introduce Charlie to their music, which becomes a bonding experience for them, and Charlie’s sister gives him a mixtape that her boyfriend made for her. Music is an important part of Charlie’s life, connecting him to his friends and the world, and music is also important to the movie. Whether it’s the sad notes of “Asleep” by the Smiths as Charlie struggles, or a triumphant version of David Bowie’s “Heroes” as they drive through the tunnel, music is a strong presence throughout the whole movie. The soundtrack is almost another character; many of the scenes – especially the tunnel scene – would not have the same power and feeling without the song playing, or with a different song. It’s a thoughtful, memorable soundtrack that adds to every scene.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower remains just as enjoyable and meaningful as it was upon its release. A strong cast brings humor and emotion to surprisingly deep and thoughtful storylines that end in a celebration of love and hope. It’s so much more than an average teen movie, and is worthy of a watch, or a re-watch.
