Written by: Bomi Kim 7.2 & Heba Al-Hashimy 7.2
Directed by: Stephen Chbosky
Genre: Drama/Family
Written by: Jack Thorne, Steven Conrad, Stephen Chbosky
Main Characters In ‘Wonder’
Jacob Tremblay as August Pullman
Izabela Vidovic as Olivia Pullman
Owen Wilson as Nate Pullman
Julia Roberts as Isabel Pullman
Noah Jupe as Jack Will
Bryce Gheisar as Julian Albans
Danielle Rose Russell as Miranda Navas
The film follows August “Auggie” Pullman, a 10-year-old science nerd with Treacher Collins syndrome, also known as “mandibulofacial dysostosis” trying to fit in, Auggie had surgeries after surgeries, but even with those numerous surgeries, he’s still not able to look like a normal 10-year-old boy. However, he is just an ordinary kid whose looks take a bit of time to get used too.
Due to his numerous surgeries, Auggie has been homeschooled by his mother Isabel Pullman, who put her career on hold for him in the family’s Brooklyn brownstone. But now that he’s 10, she and Auggie’s dad, Nate Pullman decided Auggie is approaching middle school age and so they decided to enroll him in Beecher Prep, a private school. At first, Auggie objected to the idea, but after seeing the wonderful opportunities he could have if he wasn’t homeschooled, he decided it wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
At the beginning of the year, the students stared at Auggie in disgust; as if he was the victim of everything. He was known as ‘Darth Hideous’ and was made fun of by other students.. There was also a rumour going around the school that if you dared to touch Auggie you get a disease called the plague. Auggie was ostracized by nearly all the student body, but he is soon befriended by a boy named Jack Will.
After all that bullying that Auggie had to endure, Jack Will desperately felt sorry for Auggie and sat with him during lunch and started becoming his best friend. But during Halloween, Auggie wears a “Ghostface” costume because his pet dog, named Daisy, threw up on his “Boba Fett” costume. Unrecognized, he walks around the school happily, knowing that he would finally not get tormented while wearing a mask. As he reaches his English class he overhears Jack, his “friend” telling Julian Albans, the “cool kid” that he was “only pretending to be friends with Auggie”. Auggie, feeling betrayed, spent the rest of the day alone. As he went home he shut his door to his bedroom and wanted to stay during trick or treating. But, his older sister, Olivia, also known as “Via”, had tried to talk him out of it since she has also had troubles with her friends and family.
During the movie, the perspective switches to Via, who begins by talking about how she has gotten used to how her entire family life revolves around Auggie and his needs.
Later on, Auggie confides the incident to a new friend, Summer. When Jack notices Auggie has been trying to avoid him and is distant he asks Summer why, but she only gives him a clue, and Ghostface is the only thing she says. Jack couldn’t quite figure out how the clue was helpful at first, but Jack was totally shocked when he figured out that it was Auggie that was wearing the Ghostface costume and that it was Auggie that overheard everything he had said to Julian, which wasn’t true. After class, Julian calls Auggie a freak causing Jack to lose his temper and punch Julian in the face and a fight breaks out between the two which is soon broken up by the teachers. Jack was suspended for two days, he apologizes to Auggie, and the two reconcile.
Personal Opinions.
Bomi Kim: While watching the movie, I wondered, “How would I feel if I looked like him?” I knew that I wouldn’t be as brave as Auggie, who tries so hard to ignore bullies and fight himself from bursting into tears when people stare at you and point at you. This movie inspired me a lot.
Heba Al-Hashimy: Watching the movie made me realise that you may not know how others feel unless you speak to them and listen to their story.
Lessons that the movie ‘Wonder’ teaches us.
Not to judge people by their appearance.
August may have an unusual appearance, but his schoolmates soon learn that he’s an upbeat, fun and kind kid, and that his appearance has absolutely nothing to do with his personality. The book starkly reveals the senseless, groundless nature of the terrible bullying August has to endure, for he has such a likable, friendly nature and there is simply no reason for the cruel comments he has to cope with.
In many cases, it’s not your circumstances that determine your happiness, but your outlook and attitude.
August is a sparky kid who’s full of life and optimism. He understands why people point and stare and can be very self-conscious about it, but ultimately, he doesn’t let it get him down. August is an inspirational character who shows those around him that the things you can’t change about yourself shouldn’t affect your personal happiness and well-being, and that you should accept yourself for who you are.
To be brave, stand up for yourself, and not give in to bullying because it’s never okay.
Though he does get upset by people’s comments and at one point considered going back to homeschooling, August ultimately marches on with a courageous, defiant and positive spirit. His attitude is inspiring and reveals how brave he truly is, knowing he will have to face the bullies when he returns to school each day. He determinedly rises above the bullying, becomes very popular and wins a prestigious school award, receiving a standing ovation from all the pupils who admire him. In the end, August becomes a respected and well-liked boy, who denies the bullies the satisfaction by not giving in and making lots of friends in the process, triumphantly overcoming and overshadowing the bullies.
