This Forgotten 2012 Movie Is Still Probably the Best Coming-Of-Age Drama Ever
This 85%-rated teen drama based on Stephen Chbosky's best-selling novel is the perfect choice for fans of all things 2010s.
The crowded world of cinema has a lot to offer those who love dramas. There are ones that capture the problems of romantic nature, family dramas, workplace problems, and so on. But for me, the most sensitive subject of all is adolescence, and coming-of-age dramas always hit harder.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is based on Stephen Chbosky's popular novel. For a brief moment in the past, this 2012 drama was a hit, but it seems like now it’s all forgotten. However, the movie is still offering one of the most authentic portrayals of the difficulties teenagers face while growing up.
What Is The Perks of Being a Wallflower About?
The story in this movie revolves around Logan Lerman 's character Charlie, a shy and quiet teenager trying to make it in high school. However, we soon learn that it's too hard for him because of all the trauma he's carrying around, including the suicide of his best friend Michael and deep-rooted family trauma.
As Charlie struggles to find his place in the world and ease the pain, he forms an unlikely bond with two seniors, Patrick, played by Ezra Miller, and Sam, portrayed by Emma Watson. The two take him into their tight-knit group of friends and make Charlie's life much easier as he comes to terms with his past and confronts it.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a standout, if for no other reason than the approach Stephen Chbosky has chosen to portray such difficult topics as mental health issues, trauma, and identity. So the film does not shy away from the darker side of adolescence and covers themes like depression, abuse, and the overwhelming pressures of being a teenager as well.
At the same time, it still offers hope through its portrayal of the importance of friendship and self-acceptance. The characters feel incredibly real and relatable, each dealing with their own struggles but supporting each other to the end.
“This was written for the me that existed many moons ago and yet I felt every single moment. This is truly an epic coming-of-age film. Finding your tribe is something not everyone feels and gets to experience. This is a beautiful film from start to finish,” Redditor Innsmouth_Swimteam said.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is available to stream on AppleTV+.
