Wonder: The movie about a young boy who has congenital facial deformity hit theaters on November 27th of 2017. Based on the book by R.J. Palacio, the story follows 10-year old Auggie Pullman, played by Jacob Tremblay, who struggles with Treacher Collins Syndrome. Auggie had many surgeries in order for him to hear and see. However, none of these procedures have made Auggie look ordinary. Besides struggling with the disease, Auggie faces a new problem: going to public school for the first time.
Wonder focuses not on making Auggie fit in, but embracing that he is anything but ordinary. Auggie’s sister, Via, said it best, ” ‘You can’t blend in when you were born to standout”. Auggie himself knows he is not ordinary, but the problem is that he hates being different. The entirety of the plot focuses on Auggie learning to embrace who he is, and getting others to spread kindness.
Wonder is full of inspiration and touching quotes. “When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind” is just one of these quotes. Seeing Auggie overcome the obstacles in the bullies and other kids embracing him for who he is, is truly heartwarming.
One of the best parts of this movie are the different character perspectives. Originally in Auggie’s point of view, the narration shifts to the supporting people in his life. It first shifts to his sister Via’s perspective. While Auggie is receiving all the attention and focus from his parents, Via has none. The movie really emphasizes that while Auggie is suffering from a disease, the people surrounding him still have issues as well.
Besides the emotional plot, the cast of the movie does an amazing job conveying the constant inspiration and tear-jerking scenes throughout the entirety of the movie. Jacob Tremblay, who is only 11 years old, not only transformed physically but emotionally as well for the role of Auggie. Tremblay spent lots of time with kids with facial differences to prepare for the role says People Magazine. In addition, it took two hours of makeup and prostheses for Tremblay to have the realistic face of Auggie.
Julia Roberts did a phenomenal job of portraying a mother who wants only the best for her son. Owen Wilson was at her side, playing Auggie’s father who only displays unconditional love for Auggie.
Overall, the emphasis on the power of kindness and the repercussions of bullying in Wonder is what ultimately makes it such a great family movie.
After seeing Wonder, audiences will be sure to remember, We carry with us, as human beings, not just the capacity to be kind, but the very choice of kindness.”
