Directed by: Stephen Chbosky
Based on a book of the same name
Streaming on Netflix.
This film has a gut-wrenching premise, it’s about a boy with a condition which makes him look different. As a result, he’s bullied by everyone, and sometimes, people are even scared of him. It’s a similar condition of a woman who has been through acid attack. The film has a very heart-warming tone, and just 10 minutes into the film, the film chokes you with emotion – where Auggie breaks down in front of his mother and asks her, why am I ugly? It’s heart-breaking. The most interesting part about the film is how it takes the premise of the film, and explores other subplots within the same umbrella of the conflict. Auggie’s sister, Via – she feels neglected because all the attention at home goes to Auggie – and rightfully so. She understands that, but she can’t help but have her own moments of wanting a little more attention and love than what she gets right now. It’s interesting how they explore her side too, because usually in films with this strong a premise – they just stick to it and not explore other facets of the story too.
I like the style of the film, the way the voice over is done, and the kind of music that’s used. It almost feels like a fairy tale, but with gut wrenching reality. This film is written with a lot of empathy for all the characters involved, even the bullies at school. His best friend Jack fucks up once when he thinks Auggie isn’t around, and that shatters Auggie. But they don’t villainise Jack because of this one fuck up, it happens and later Auggie too forgives him. Even the other bully. That’s what I like about this film, it has a lot of empathy and it inspires us to be more empathetic towards others and ourselves.
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