The Perks of Being a Wallflower - El

This is a witty, incisive and dark coming-of-age story about the gifted but painfully awkward high-school freshman Charlie. My heart ached in his desperate loneliness and celebrated as he found friendship and unexpected joy for the first time in many years. Excellent, measured performances by all - especially the three leads. Emotionally tortured scenes are kept moving by clever direction and sharp dialogue, which in clumsier hands may have been melodramatic. 'The Perks of being a Wallflower' is set in the 80s, and features 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' and the compilation cassette tapes (remember them?), which become emotional conduits between disparate characters. Books and music are given as gifts of love and understanding, which is a lovely artsy touch. But if you overlook the eclectic 80s songs, 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' could be set in anywhere in the last four decades. It is a timeless story.

My only real criticism is that the trailer showed a much lighter, funnier movie than the feature really was. There was no hint of the early childhood trauma or the battle with mental illness that rages within Charlie's damaged mind. The preview showed nothing of the terrible darkness within. If it had I certainly would not have taken my 12 yr old daughter to see it in the cinema. She was too young to really appreciate the scope of the abuse, but too aware for it to go over her head. 

This is a compelling journey of self discovery, friendship, loyalty and both platonic & romantic love. However it also explores the fragility of youth and how physical, emotional and sexual abuse will damage a child's identity and affect their future. Definitely a movie for mature viewers.

However, in a sea of cheesy teen-movies it was wonderful to watch a well told story about teenagers without gratuitous sex, sentimentality or glorified stupid behaviour. I am keen to read the acclaimed novel on which it was based.

4/5 stars.