Review by Emily Hollwedel, 12
The film adaptation of Stephen Chbosky’s critically acclaimed novel The Perks of Being a Wallflower was also directed by him, thus, it should come as no surprise that it encapsulates all of the messages in the book. The story follows a socially outcast freshman named Charlie and two upperclassmen. Here, he discovers friendship, love, music, and more. The struggles of belonging, sexuality, family, the effects of trauma and mental illness are all told through Charlie’s letters to the viewer. It tackles deep topics with grace, it captures the bittersweetness of growing up and becoming your own individual.Charlie's connection to music is displayed through awe-inspiring film shots, and scenes that subjugate the viewer to the same euphoria. Ultimately, it was one of my favorite watches of the year. With Chbosky as director, the film also includes a fluid script and beautiful cinematography that beautifully summarizes the ups and downs of high school life.