"Who Gives You the Courage to Face the World?" This is Wonder. This comedy-drama film directed by Stephen Chbosky and written by Jack Thorne, Steven Conrad, and Chbosky, and based on the 2012 novel of the same name by R. J. Palacio. The film tells the incredibly inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman. Born with facial differences that, up until now, have prevented him from going to a mainstream school, Auggie becomes the most unlikely of heroes when he enters the local fifth grade. As his family, his new classmates, and the larger community all struggle to discover their compassion and acceptance, Auggie's extraordinary journey will unite them all and prove you can't blend in when you were born to stand out.
In late November 2012, it was announced that Lionsgate was developing an adaptation of Palacio's debut novel, and were in talks with John August to pen the script. In early May 2013, Thorne was hired to rewrite August's script after his departure. In October 2014, John Krokidas was reported to be directing the film. However, in April 2015, Paul King was hired to direct instead, and Steven Conrad. However, King later dropped out in order to work on Paddington 2 (2017). In April 14, 2016, Jacob Tremblay was cast to play the lead role. In early May 2016, Stephen Chbosky was set as the film's director. By late July, Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Izabela Vidovic, Mandy Patinkin, Daveed Diggs, Danielle Rose Russell, and Noah Jupe rounded out the film's cast. At the same time, principal photography commenced, and wrapped in mid September. Filming took place in British Columbia, Canada, and Coney Island, New York. Tremblay's prosthetic makeup, designed and created by Arjen Tuiten, took an hour and a half to apply. It consisted of a skull cap with prosthetic ears attached, a facial prosthetic that covered Tremblay's face, and a wig to tie it all together.
The film stars Tremblay, Roberts, Wilson, Vidovic, Patinkin, Diggs, Rose Russell, and Jupe. The cast, especially primary trio of Tremblay, Roberts, and Wilson, delivered outstanding performances, starting with Tremblay, who steals the show as August, the boy with a facial disfigurement and a heart that yearns for acceptance. Roberts, who plays against her most recent performance, plays Isabel, August's loving and protective mother. Wilson, best known his collaboration with Wes Anderson, shines as Nate, a role that demands he be immediately likeable as August's equally loving and protective father.
Wonder is a heartfelt and sincere adaptation that's bolstered by strong lead performances. This film especially recognizes that even while middle school can be a battlefield of insecurity and bullying, you can find allies to help you through the struggle. It also shows that we all have a brighter future ahead if we let ourselves reach for it. The film is essentially a love letter for the outsiders, but a film I think everyone can relate to. All of my memories as an outsider still survive somewhere inside of me, and that version of myself would love this film.
Simon says Wonder receives:
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