The benefits of a wallflower are is a 2012 film directed by Stephen Chbosky, adapted from his 1999 novel. The film follows Charlie (Logan Lerman) entering high school after his best friend commits suicide. Alone, he eventually befriends Sam (Emma Watson) and her stepbrother, Patrick (Ezra Miller), who welcome him into their circle, take him to parties and take him on music-filled rides. While dealing with serious issues such as mental health and childhood sexual abuse, Charlie begins to grow up and embrace the world around him. Advantages was a critical and commercial success, receiving much praise for its cast, writing, themes, and emotional depth. The film recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary and still remains a near-perfect movie. Not only is it a great coming-of-age movie, but an excellent one, period. Let’s look back at the movie after 10 years.
The cast
The movie revolves around Charlie and Lerman’s performance is incredible. He makes every part of Charlie believable and brings real humor and emotion. In an interview with Script Magazine, Chbosky says he auditioned for two people for the part and cast Lerman after just a few seconds, citing his “the ability to be awkward and cute, funny and sad, but never a victim.” He perfected Charlie’s shyness and growing confidence while hinting at his hidden fear.
Watson also excels as Sam, capturing both her bold confidence and insecurities. She’s exciting enough to lead Charlie to her outer world and vulnerable enough to let him see her inner world. What’s also refreshing is that while she’s Charlie’s crush, she’s much more than a love character. She has her own successes and struggles and her own full personality. Miller completes the trio as Patrick, a gay teen who befriends Charlie for the first time. Yes, Miller has recently been characterized by illegal behavior and mental health issues. But their performance in this film still deserves recognition. Like Sam, Patrick isn’t just the gay character. He is charming and passionate and really cares about his friends. Chbosky said in a conversation with Vanity Fair that he wanted Patrick “the coolest boy in the movie”, and Miller brings that coolness and adventurous spirit to the role. All three have a great chemistry together and feel like friends.
Even the supporting roles fit perfectly into the central trio. Mae Whitman is amazing in a memorable turn as Charlie’s girlfriend, Mary Elizabeth. Kate Walsh and Dylan McDermott have some small but moving scenes as Charlie’s parents. Finally, Paul provides Rudd with the warmth and guidance Charlie needs as his English teacher, Mr. Anderson. Increase the performance of the entire cast Advantages beyond the typical coming-of-age movie.
The Plot and Themes
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The plot of Charlie making friends and growing up is typical of most teen movies, but Advantages has hidden depths and tackles serious problems. Charlie explains from the start that he spent some time in a mental hospital. His mental health continues to deteriorate; we learn that his aunt died on Christmas Eve, and that he blames himself for buying his birthday present. This growing darkness lurks behind the lighter moments when Charlie was present The Rocky Horror Picture Show with his friends, or his crush on Sam. It is eventually revealed that Charlie’s aunt sexually assaulted him when he was a child.
The topics of mental health and sexual abuse are well covered. They are grounded and realistic and are not exaggerated or shown just for show. The revelation that he has been sexually abused further develops his character and further links him to Sam, who was sexually abused by her father’s boss. Plus, the reveal doesn’t feel too graphic or depressing, and Charlie can get the help he needs and is hopeful about his future, aligning with the themes of love and growth.
The theme of love is present early on, as Charlie watches his sister’s boyfriend beat her. When he asks Mr. Anderson why people choose the wrong people to love, he replies with the oft-quoted line, “We accept the love we think we deserve.” This applies to Charlie’s sister, but later applies to Sam, who dates an older boy who cheats on her; and Patrick, who loves the school’s quarterback but has to hide his feelings. Advantages shows that the love we receive is not always the best for us, but we can find the better love we deserve. Sam breaks up with her boyfriend and focuses on herself, just like Patrick. Even Charlie learns to accept love from others and from himself and no longer blames himself for his aunt’s death or the abuse he experienced. This theme of hope and moving forward with the past is felt most triumphantly at the end, when Sam and Patrick take Charlie back to the tunnel. This time he rides in the back of the truck, standing and embracing the world. He believes that he can get back to normal and that life is worth living.
The music
One last feature of the film worth mentioning is the music. Sam and Patrick introduce Charlie to their music, which becomes a band for them, and Charlie’s sister gives him a mixtape that her boyfriend made for her. Music is an important part of Charlie’s life, connecting him to his friends and the world, and music is also important to the film. Whether it’s the sad notes of “Asleepby the Smiths while Charlie struggles, or a triumphant version of David Bowie’sheroesAs they drive through the tunnel, music is strong throughout the film. The soundtrack is almost a different character; many of the scenes – especially the tunnel scene – wouldn’t have the same power and feel without playing the song, or with a different song. It’s a thoughtful, memorable soundtrack that adds to every scene.
The benefits of a wallflower are remains just as fun and meaningful as when it was released. A strong cast brings humor and emotion into surprisingly deep and thoughtful storylines that end in a celebration of love and hope. It’s so much more than your average teen movie, and it’s worth watching, or rewatching.