It’s true that life is full of challenges, but some people face more difficulties than others — and some of them are much more public than others. For instance, having a physical difference tests the bearer, as well as all those they encounter; a person’s reaction is not just a test of their humanity and compassion, but also affects the person on the other end of it. For children, it can be even tougher since insensitivity and cruelty seem to come so easily. But the Wonder trailer demonstrates kids can surprise you too.
Auggie Pullman (Jacob Tremblay) spent most of his young life in hospitals, getting and recovering from various operations to address facial differences that have left him scarred and “different.” Now going into fifth grade, he is going to a mainstream elementary school for the first time — without his astronaut’s helmet. His parents (Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson) are lovely, supportive people who only hope his classmates will be kind. Of course, some of them aren’t; but others actually make a conscious effort to befriend Auggie, even though he’s understandably initially suspicious of their motives. What follows seems to be a touching portrayal of potentially lifelong friends.
Based on R.J. Palacio’s New York Times bestseller, the film appears to be a heartwarming tearjerker that will inspire happy feelings and potentially restore audience’s faith in the future of humanity. The film will be released in theatres in November 2017, which makes it a potential selection for nearby film festivals (such as Toronto).
