I didn’t like this film; in fact, I disliked it so much I had to turn it off halfway through. Overall, I like coming-of-age films, the genre being one of my favourites. I am a big fan of the original book (published in 1999) and I think it’s much more moving as a piece of literature. As both forms of media are created by Stephen Chbosky admittedly I can find it strange that I disliked the film so strongly. But I found it extremely difficult to watch and during some moments of the film I had to pause and reconsider continuing. Eventually, I ended up shutting the film off.

The film explores many profound and universal themes, which is part of the reason the story resonates so deeply for many. A central theme is Charlie’s journey from isolation to finding a group of friends who accept him as he is. Sam, Patrick, and their circle provide Charlie with a sense of belonging and help him navigate the challenges of high school.

The sequence acts as a symbolic threshold, representing Charlie’s gradual integration into the group. While he’s physically on the sofa, his posture suggests he hasn’t fully crossed into their world yet. The house party symbolizes the chaotic world of adolescence, as Charlie is separated from the group on the sofa it implies he isn’t quite ready for that world yet. The framing of the image deepens the idea that Charlie is isolated. As he is off to the left by himself while Patrick, Mary Elizabeth, and Alice are huddled closely it symbolizes Charlie’s initial struggle to become integrated with the group.

Another theme that the film promotes is the power of music and art. Throughout the film books, music, and art play significant roles in the characters lives, serving as forms of expressionism and a means of coping. Throughout the story Charlie uses music as an emotional outlet. The sequence where Patrick, Sam, and Charlie ride through the tunnel is example of this. With Heroes by David Bowie playing overtop, it helps illustrate how a song can capture a feeling of freedom and connection. The song represents a moment where Charlie felt truly alive and part of something bigger than himself.

As the sequence takes place in a dimly lit tunnel, the use of soft golden light illuminating the background creates a dreamy and almost surreal atmosphere, this enhances the emotional tone of freedom and euphoria within the sequence. As the tunnel is an enclosed space it contrasts with the motion and lighting creating the illusion of open space. This acts as a metaphor for transition as Charlie is moving through darkness towards light and growth. Additionally, the iconic line, “And in this moment, I swear, we are infinite.” Helps encapsulate themes of the film, the juxtaposition of “this moment” with the vastness of being “infinite” captures the film’s meditation on how temporary experiences can leave lasting impressions. This scene especially resonates as it taps into toe universal desire for transcendence, especially during adolescence. The visuals, combined with the iconic dialogue, evoke nostalgia and a sense of timelessness, making it memorable and deeply moving.

The soundtrack of The Perks of Being a Wallflower is an iconic mixture of nostalgic and emotionally resonant songs that help complement the film’s themes and the 1990s setting. The music plays a pivotal role in exploring the characters’ lives. The song Asleep by the Smiths. As it plays in such a pivotal scene towards the end of the film when Charlie is struggling with his emotions and processing his trauma. The haunting melancholic tone of the song complements the film’s themes of mental health and personal growth, becoming a moment where the music becomes almost like the character. Although the song is more prominent in the book (with Charlie mentioning it several times) it still heavily ties to the story’s thematic weight within the film. It’s part of the iconic mixtape, which becomes a symbol of friendship and connection among Charlie, Sam, and Patrick. Asleep enhances the book and film’s bittersweet atmosphere, emphasizing the importance of finding beauty in fleeting, tender moments while navigating life’s struggles. The song is a perfect fit for the wistful mood which defines The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

Another song which helps encapsulate the themes of friendship as Come On Eileen by Dexys Midnight plays during a pivotal and joyous moment at the school dance. The carefree scene where Sam and Patrick pull Charlie out onto the dance floor, effectively breaking him out of his shell and drawing him into their world.

The use of the wide shot captures the bustling energy of the dancefloor, showing many characters interacting which helps emphasize the communal atmosphere of the sequence. The central focus is spread across the whole crowd rather than singling out a specific character, this further enhances the feeling of inclusion and togetherness. The sequence is bathed in warm tones, this helps evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort. It helps mirror the emotional warmth of the moment when Charlie begins to feel accepted. The crowded dancefloor symbolizes the communal experience of adolescence, but it can also evoke feelings of isolation for someone like Charlie. However, in this sequence he is brought into the fold by Sam and Patrick, and the joyful energy of the music and dancing represents a moment of liberation for him. The sequence blends energetic visuals, warm lighting, and nostalgic themes of belonging, youth, and self-discovery making the scene a quintessential coming-of-age moment in the story.