Honest and Heartfelt Study of Human Emotions

Rating: 10/10 (27 December 2012)

What would any story be without conflict? "Wallflower" is a powerful yet simple story that takes inside the hearts and minds of young people dealing with their own crisis. At the center is Charlie, a shy young man who is dealing with some very dark demons in his past. He has the support of his family, but there are those who can't see beyond a perception of impending doom. Luckily, Charlie meets Patrick and Sam, two other "misfits" who help him survive his freshman year in school. There is also a sympathetic English teacher who manages to support Charlie through academics.
However there is something bothering Charlie, and it threatens to destroy whatever fragile peace Charlie manages to have. The story takes Charlie through a series of ups and downs, exposing him to a culture he has been isolated from. There are some hilarious scenes involving him and the acts of rebelliousness typical of this age group. Yet Charlie's nature is that of a sweet, caring, and somewhat very naive young man. He states it repeatedly that it matters that others feel good. He seems incapable and/or unwilling to see the evil in others. It is at these moments that Sam's and Patrick's friendship saves him from self-destruction.
The film has many exhilarating moments celebrating love, youth, hope, and the power of youth. Most of these involve Sam's effervescent and radiating smile. A smile that might be a mask for her own sadness and frustration, but Emma Watson does a wonderful job bringing this marvelous character to life. She shines here in ways that were hinted at in the "Potter" series. She is radiant.
Ezra Miller continues to prove he's going to be around for a very long time, showing the many dimensions of Patrick, a brave soul that must face the fact that it is just too hard for him to achieve happiness, but not because of his lack of trying. It's just the way society has put all these hurdles in front of him, but he has a disarming sense of humor and charm to burn.
Unlike "Silver Linings" and "The Master", two films that try to hard to show you how good they are, sometimes leaving you in awe of their excellent craftsmanship; "Wallflower" has a strong beating heart and plenty of soul to relate to all of us. The fact is that the darkness which resides in Charlie's soul is as devastating as that of the main characters in the other films, but this one feels more real and honest. We have no trouble smiling when they are happy and feeling their heartbreak and frustration when things are not going well.
This is one of the best films of 2012, like "Ordinary People" which came out about 30 years ago, it will be hard to forget Charlie and Sam's relationship, and Patrick's never ending willingness to always be there for them. Treat yourself to a good film and see this under-appreciated gem.