Welcome to the island of misfit toys, or rather we all are the uncertified members of this island. In the era of filters and hookups, we all try to fit ourselves in an overcrowded area with an effort to become someone who is different from the real reflection of ourselves.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is the story of a boy named Charlie who has been constantly traumatized by his past. He has lost his special aunt on the day of his birthday. Also, his best friend has committed suicide and due to this, he is suffering through a tumultuous trauma and has already spent a year at the trauma ward in the hospital.
Awkward and uneasy Charlie's life changes completely when he joins the high school. He is well aware that the cloud of chaotic feelings enclosing him is not absolutely normal.
Initially, he has some trouble getting acclimated to the new surroundings but soon he gains a new perspective and soaring confidence when he becomes friends with two of his seniors, Sam and her stepbrother Patrick who are free-spirited and believe in enjoying every moment of life.
This friendship was a start to a ride; a ride in which Charlie discovers the joy of friendship and love and first dates.
Meanwhile, Charlie's teacher ignites the hidden passion inside him to become a writer. Charlie was indeed a wallflower that felt infinite, caring about others' sentiments every time.
When Patrick is insulted and harassed because of his sexual preferences and more than it, the ache of not being accepted as love, Charlie takes a stand for Patrick because for once, he feels that he belongs.
In this transforming journey, Charlie falls in love with Sam and starts caring for her like a true lover. He shows the world that one should never settle for less because of past experiences or low self-esteem. Yet he never asks her to go out and instead dates that "Buddhist Punk" for a while. At a party, when Sam confides in Charlie about his past abusive relationships and the similar pattern Charlie shows, Charlie beautifully explains:
"We accept the love we think we deserve."
Sam gives him very precious advice that putting everyone above us every time is not "Love".
Amidst the ups and downs, loyal Charlie is fighting a silent battle with this unsettled past and more or less uncertain future.
His confidantes leave him to fend for himself to pursue higher studies and shift cities.
This loneliness exposes the canceled pain Charlie has been suppressing to the surface and as a result, he is hospitalized yet again.
After his recovery, he finally sees the bright rays of hopeful sunshine falling on him when the Doctor explains to him that
"We Can't Choose Where We Come From But We Can Choose Where We Go From There."
In the ending scene, Charlie is shown feeling the soaring winds while passing through a tunnel.
"We Are Infinite."
Even if our childhood was not as traumatic as Charlie's, this tale is relatable to all of us to some extent.
The story is about finding yourself and feeling the invisible crown we all are wearing in our heads unapologetically.
It tells the real importance of love and friendship in our lives along with some valuable insights.
Let's love the wallflower inside us and blossom with the free spirit!
Author: Tanya Saraswati
Editor: Rachita Biswas
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