The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
A tender and unflinching coming-of-age drama about belonging, trauma, and the transformative power of true friendship.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Perks of Being a Wallflower
- Release Year: 2012
- Directed by: Stephen Chbosky
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 20, 2012 (United Arab Emirates), October 12, 2012 (United States - PG-13), September 28, 2012 (Canada), October 3, 2012 (United Kingdom - 12A), November 1, 2012 (Germany - 12), January 2, 2013 (France - U), November 29, 2012 (Australia - M), October 19, 2012 (Brazil - 14), November 2, 2012 (Mexico - B-15), February 14, 2013 (Italy - T), February 8, 2013 (Spain - 12), April 11, 2013 (South Korea - 15), October 18, 2012 (China)
- Alternative Titles: Անտեսված լինելու առավելությունները (AM), As Vantagens de Ser Invisível (BR)
- Production Companies: Mr. Mudd
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Plot
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1991. High school freshman Charlie is a wallflower, always watching life from the sidelines, until two senior students, Sam and her stepbrother Patrick, become his mentors, helping him discover the joys of friendship, music and love.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Charlie's journey unfold on screen:
We are infinite.
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The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Stephen Chbosky
Main Cast
- Logan Lerman
- Emma Watson
- Ezra Miller
- Mae Whitman
- Kate Walsh
- Dylan McDermott
- Melanie Lynskey
- Nina Dobrev
- Johnny Simmons
- Joan Cusack
Writers
- Stephen Chbosky
Producers
- John Malkovich
- Lianne Halfon
- Russell Smith
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - FAQs
Is The Perks of Being a Wallflower based on a book?
Yes. The film is a direct adaptation of Stephen Chbosky's 1999 epistolary novel of the same name. Chbosky himself wrote the screenplay and directed the film, making it a rare case of an author adapting and helming their own work for the screen.
What is the ending of The Perks of Being a Wallflower explained?
In the film's climax, Charlie suffers a mental breakdown that leads to his hospitalization. It is revealed that his beloved Aunt Helen sexually abused him as a child, a trauma he had repressed. After treatment, Charlie emerges with a healthier understanding of himself and reconnects with Sam and Patrick, embracing life with renewed hope.
Where can you stream The Perks of Being a Wallflower?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is available to stream on Max (formerly HBO Max) and through the HBO Max Amazon Channel. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Availability may vary by region.
Who are the main actors in The Perks of Being a Wallflower?
The film stars Logan Lerman as the introspective Charlie, Emma Watson as the free-spirited Sam, and Ezra Miller as Patrick, Sam's charismatic stepbrother. Supporting roles are filled by Mae Whitman, Kate Walsh, Dylan McDermott, Melanie Lynskey, Nina Dobrev, Johnny Simmons, Joan Cusack, and Paul Rudd.
What is The Perks of Being a Wallflower about?
Set in Pittsburgh in 1991, the film follows Charlie, a shy and emotionally fragile high school freshman who befriends two older students, Sam and Patrick. Through their friendship, music, and shared experiences, Charlie begins to confront his past trauma and discovers what it means to truly participate in life.
What is the age rating for The Perks of Being a Wallflower?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is rated PG-13 in the United States. The rating reflects mature thematic content including teen drug and alcohol use, sexual references, and depictions of mental health struggles and childhood trauma. Parental guidance is advised for younger viewers.
How long is The Perks of Being a Wallflower?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower has a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes (103 minutes). The film was released theatrically in the United States on October 12, 2012, following a limited release and festival run beginning in September 2012.
How was The Perks of Being a Wallflower received by critics?
The film earned strong critical praise, holding an 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics highlighted the authentic performances of Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller, as well as Chbosky's sensitive direction. It was widely praised for its honest, emotionally resonant portrayal of adolescent struggles and identity.
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