The Perks of Being a Wallflower
A sensitive freshman finds belonging with two unconventional seniors while confronting depression, trauma, and the risks of first love.
Overview
A poignant journey through adolescence and the struggles of finding one's place in the world.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- sincere
- wistful
- melancholic
- rainy day
- reflective evening
What critics said
Critics broadly viewed it as a heartfelt, sincere adaptation strengthened by the lead performances, while some found its treatment of teenage issues idealized.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Charlie moves from isolation into a close-knit group formed by Sam and Patrick, whose friendship helps him confront painful experiences.
The friendships, school events, mixtapes, and shared moments are presented with wistful emotional closeness.
Charlie’s mental illness and distress are connected to traumatic memories that emerge as his relationships deepen.
Sam and Patrick welcome Charlie into an accepting social circle built around difference, creativity, and mutual support.
Films like The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and why
The Spectacular Now
shared coming of age drama, outsider protagonist, adolescent trauma, and sincere emotional tone
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
shared high school setting, friendship-centered storytelling, teen romance, and melancholic warmth
The Edge of Seventeen
shared outsider perspective, teenage alienation, dark humor, and emotionally cathartic growth
Heathers
shared teen friendship, trauma, nonconformity, and bittersweet coming of age atmosphere
Movie Details
- Director
- Stephen Chbosky
- Release Date
- 2012-09-20
- Runtime
- 103 min
- Rating
- 7.8 / 10 (11474)
Cast
- Logan Lerman
- Emma Watson
- Ezra Miller
- Mae Whitman
- Kate Walsh
- Dylan McDermott
- Melanie Lynskey
- Nina Dobrev
- Johnny Simmons
- Joan Cusack
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- MovieSphere+ Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Perks of Being a Wallflower about?
- A sensitive freshman finds belonging with two unconventional seniors while confronting depression, trauma, and the risks of first love.
- What is The Perks of Being a Wallflower like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Perks of Being a Wallflower as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is The Perks of Being a Wallflower violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in The Perks of Being a Wallflower as mild.
- What did critics think of The Perks of Being a Wallflower?
- Critics broadly viewed it as a heartfelt, sincere adaptation strengthened by the lead performances, while some found its treatment of teenage issues idealized.
- Which films are like The Perks of Being a Wallflower?
- Films with a similar feel include The Spectacular Now, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, The Edge of Seventeen, and Heathers.
- How long is The Perks of Being a Wallflower?
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower runs 103 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Perks of Being a Wallflower?
- In United States, The Perks of Being a Wallflower streams on MovieSphere+ Amazon Channel.
