Director Stephen Chbosky's semi-autobiographical coming of age story The Perks of Being a Wallflower is based on his own novel. A moving, honest and nostalgic portrayal of the awkward teen years, it's a story pretty much everyone will relate to in some way.
With a pixie haircut and American accent (which slips occasionally), Emma Watson sheds Hermione Granger in her role as Sam, a high school senior who, with her gay step-brother Patrick (Miller), befriends a shy, introverted junior pupil, the protagonist Charlie (Lerman).
It's immediately clear Charlie, an avid reader and aspiring writer, is more sensitive and fragile than the average teenager. Recovering from a breakdown, he's keenly aware life at high school can be cruel but is ready to get back into life.
What makes Charlie's first year at high school tolerable, and the film so endearing, is the idea that no matter how bad life can get it's more bearable with the loyalty of good friends.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower celebrates the friendship between Sam, Patrick and Charlie and their "island of misfits" as they negotiate first loves, kisses and break-ups, scandalous reputations, and the more serious issues of mental illness and dealing with their sexuality.
