Recently I watched a movie about an introvert, observant, and intelligent teenager who is looking for meaningful connection, friendship and a way to become free from the memories of his traumatic past.
The name of the movie is “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. This 2012 coming-of-age drama is written and directed by Stephen Chbosky.
Like a wallflower, Charlie (Logan Larman) just belongs in the background of all the happenings. He sees everything, understands everything but never speaks about anything.
One dialogue in the movie really stayed with me. Charlie asks his literature professor (Paul Rudd) “Why do nice people choose the wrong people to date?” To that question, Mr. Anderson replies, “We accept the love we believe we deserve.”
That dialogue feels so right. The dialogue holds so much truth! We accept the love we believe we deserve. There’s no other way to state that fact so perfectly.
When we choose someone to be our companion, definitely our perception about ourselves takes a front seat. And that perception is often determined by our self-esteem in the given time.
Eventually, Charlie stops being a wallflower and finds love and friendship. As he connects with his friends, he starts to heal. He gets courage to become better and experience life from a fresh new perspective.
The movie is filled with so many amazingly written dialogues. Easy on the eyes and quiet in ambience. Emma Watson is a smart addition to the film as Charlie’s love, Sam.
It’s a hauntingly beautiful movie that leaves you content and even wanting for more.