Auggie Pullman (Jacob Tremblay) is entering the fifth grade, but what might seem like an exciting time of year for most ten year olds is not for Auggie. He’s not what you picture when you think of a “typical” kid. Not only has Auggie been home-schooled by his mother (Julia Roberts) up to this point, but he has gone through 27 surgeries, causing severe deformities to his face. Wonder takes the viewer into the struggles and accomplishments Auggie deals with as he navigates his way through his first year of “real” school.

Wonder is based on R.J. Palacio’s novel. Both the book and the movie change the character of narration throughout to show the different perspectives. This technique makes the storyline go deep. “I felt emotional and attached to the characters,” said Ryan Hecker (‘18).

Auggie knows that he is far from ordinary and covers his head oftentimes with an astronaut helmet. He lives in a brownstone in Brooklyn with his mother, father (Owen Wilson), sister (Izabela Vidovic), and dog. His family is supportive and loving, his parents always giving him the attention he needs, whenever he needs it. This leads to Via, Auggie’s sister, facing a complex. She loves her brother, but yearns to get the same attention he receives. The movie shows the inner thoughts of each character individually.

This movie is sure to pull at the heartstrings. Sam Tubin (‘18) describes the movie as “a heartwarming story with a strong, relevant messages about friendship, bullying, judgment, and acceptance.”

The one thing that you are sure to take away from this movie is that being kind can go a long way. Accepting others who are different is not hard and can change someone’s life. Auggie shows us the true meaning of strength and friendship in this heartwarming film.