Wonder : A Movie That Tugs On The Heart Strings

Every so often I am invited to London to watch the screening of a new movie. I love watching new films, in fact as part of my Bachelor of Arts in English and Education I studied creative writing with a focus on written film reviews. Little did I know back then just how handy those skills would be 15 years later. Due to my current health conditions, my Adrenal Insufficiency and chronic illness, I find myself regularly turning down the most amazing opportunities, especially those which involve visiting London and watching screenings of new films. There have been a few. 

However on this occasion I managed to visit London and go to The Soho Hotel to watch a special screening of ‘Wonder’, hosted by Kleenex® and Lionsgate.

Wonder The Movie A Review

‘Wonder’ is an amazing heartfelt film about the life of a young boy named August, “Auggie” for short. Born with facial disfigurement, Auggie embarks on his journey of attending middle school where he faces the challenges of being different, standing out and overcoming the taunts of other children. The film is so deeply layered and not only shares Auggie’s experience but shares the life of Via (Olivia), Auggie’s elder sister and her experience of having a brother who is unique.

The film is in my opinion a real masterpiece and takes the time to share the experiences of Auggie’s parents, friends and other characters whose experiences and actions do not always appear as they first seem. I really loved watching ‘Wonder’. There were some real tear jerker moments that saw me reaching for the Kleenex® and wiping the tears from the corner of my eyes.

I really loved watching Wonder the movie. There were some real tear-jerker moments that saw me reaching for the Kleenex and wiping the tears from the corner of my eyes.

The movie really hit home in many ways. I could relate to the “school experience” of not fitting in and being bullied and tormented. Sadly that is something I experienced as a child and certain experiences shown in the movie were highly relatable.

Not only did I relate to the experiences of Auggie the child, I also felt strong emotions and connected with the experiences of Auggie’s parents, in dealing with a child who is different to those around them.

The movie really hit home in many ways. I could relate to the “school experience” of not fitting in and being bullied and tormented. Sadly, that is something I experienced as a child and certain experiences shown in the movie were highly relatable. Not only did I relate to the experiences of Auggie, I also felt strong emotions and connected with the experiences of Auggie’s parents, in dealing with a child who is different to those around them.

As a mother I have certainly had emotional moments, especially when my child has come home from school just like Auggie, hurt and upset because she is unique and different to other kids, which in my daughter’s case in due to her skin colour. Seeing the real struggles of Auggie’s parents to help and support him in his school experience was something I could really relate to.

*Spoiler Alert*

A part of the movie that really tugged on the heart strings was when Daisy, the loyal family dog, became ill and passed away. Again, this was a Kleenex® moment. We own two wonderful dogs Yoda and Casper. They are a huge part of my family’s life and great companions to my daughter. Seeing the effect of the family dog passing away was a bitter scene to watch.

The movie ‘Wonder’ is truly amazing. It really is an emotive piece which teaches important truths and messages, that we are all born to stand out, that being kind is of great importance and that we can have strength to overcome our difficulties no matter what they are. The fact that the movie goes back and shares the same stories and experiences from different viewpoints, really helps the audience to understand that there is always more than one side to a story. We are taught through the film to be understanding and that no two people’s experiences are the same.

I’m really pleased that I was invited to watch the movie ‘Wonder’ in London. It really is the most amazing film and I’d recommend it to everyone.

Watching the movie at The Soho Hotel was a great experience. The theatre was amazing. I loved the seats, we had plenty of popcorn, drinks and treats and of course lots of Kleenex® tissues for those emotional moments.

I was given a lovely goody bag with a poster, the original book version of ‘Wonder’ by R.J. Palacio which the film was based on, and some other fantastic bits which I will be sharing with my daughter. The book is perfect for a year 5 student and we have been reading this together in preparation for the movie coming out on DVD this week. This would be a great way to get my daughter reading and discussing some of the issues which affect us in our daily lives.

‘Wonder’ leaves you feeling uplifted, emotional and thoughtful. I’m glad I had the opportunity to watch the film hosted by Kleenex® and Lionsgate and would definitely recommend it.

I certainly can relate to being unique and different. Kindness really is the most important thing and each of us are born to shine, to stand out and live our lives with strength and courage. That’s something I will continue to do.

Angela x

*collaboration*