A wonderful story of how every person can be the wonder.
Wonder, based on R.J. Palacio's 2012 bestseller, observes the bright side of every event revolves around the first 'normal' school year of a boy with facial deformities. There's bullying, but there's support; there are sentimental moments, but there are uplifting ones. On the surface, this might look like an overdramatic Hollywood tearjerker, but, give it some time and Wonder will define the word 'heartfelt' straight to your nerve.
Jacob Tremblay ( Room) portrays Auggie, the 10-year-old Star Wars aficionado, who finally enters public school after years of home-schooling due to his physical condition. Julia Roberts-the mother, Isabella, and Owen Wilson-the father, Nate, knowing their kid's circumstance, show reluctance in finally letting the child stepping away from the comfort zone. What the parents fear of comes to fruition when Auggie's facing bullying from his school-mate. The situation is troublesome; and, we're led to observe it from other p.o.v.s around Auggie, from his outshone sibling, Via (Izabela Vidovic) to his first friend, Jack (Noah Jupe). It's a dire situation to follow, but Wonder shows us that there's always been silver linings to everything.
Stephen Chbosky ( The Perks of Being a Wallflower) often brings up deep into the emotional side of the film. There seems to be a nod that Chbosky manipulates the ascension of emotion in a positive way. In doing so, the director allows the other p.o.v.s to take over the story and scaffold the main storyline from there. From there, Wonder peeps into the what's beneath the situation that surrounds Auggie's first year of school; however, it never justifies nor judges; it simply shows us that certain decision has the bright side making every character a wonder.
No wonder it's called 'Wonder.' It's a wonderful story about how every person can be that wonder in one way or another. It's heartfelt, uplifting and well-acted. Even when the story might be overwhelming sometimes, there's always a moment when Wonder finds balance and inspires. Lots of love to Stephen Chbosky & Jacob Tremblay.
Wonder (2017)
Drama, Family Directed by: Stephen Chbosky Written by: Stephen Chbosky, Steve Conrad, Jack Thorne based on a novel by R.J. Palacio Starred by: Jacob Tremblay, Owen Wilson, Julia Roberts, Daveed Diggs Runtime: 113 mins Rated PG
