The film delves into the world of the outsider. Charlie (Logan Lerman) is a shy introvert just starting high school and to say he answers to the beat of a different drum is a bit of an understatement. Lerman plays Charlie as a complex character who seems to be submerging quite a few deep-seated emotions and anxieties. The film is very measured in its efforts to disclose the reasons behind these emotions.

He is soon befriended by a very engaging group of fellow outsiders lead by Patrick (Ezra Miller) and Sam (Emma Watson). This unlikely group bond in many ways and their forming camaraderie underpins the central story. Charlie also experiences the developing emotions of love as he falls for Sam.

With a story like this, it is at times difficult to know how true to character the end results actually are as most less than popular people’s personal experience with the early days of high school were anything but a celebration of being different. The film is also a little unfocused as it crams a lot of sub text in the story without a lot of detail.

Seen as a pleasant coming of age story about an unassuming outsider, the film will win over viewers but the undercurrents that could have made it a more arresting experience are glossed over. It kind of makes you think that it was test marketed and found to be a bit too deep and cut accordingly. That or time constraints were imposed. I guess the medium discussion on this film might end up with the conclusion that it has become the medium of commerce.

Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/UniversalPicturesAU

Based on the New York Times bestseller, Wonder tells the incredibly inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman. Born with facial differences that, up until now, have prevented him from going to a mainstream school, Auggie becomes the most unlikely of heroes when he enters the local fifth grade.

As his family, his new classmates, and the larger community all struggle to discover their compassion and acceptance, Auggie’s extraordinary journey will unite them all and prove you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.