And In that Moment, I Swear We Were Infinite

It’s not often that the author of a book can successfully direct the movie adaptation. Stephen Chbosky is an exception with “Perks of Being a Wallflower.”

The popular 1999 novel is based on the life of Charlie (Logan Lerman), a troubled freshman whose shy demeanor makes him a bit of an outcast. It isn’t until he meets seniors Patrick (Ezra Miller) and Sam (Emma Watson) that he gets his first glimpse into the real world.

The plot is more than just a shy kid making his way through high school. Charlie is dealing with the suicide of his best friend and mental illness stemming from the loss of his Aunt Helen, as well as trying to find a place where he truly belongs. We see this growth through Charlie’s writing letters to “dear friend” in a way that connects the audience’s experiences to the themes.

“They are not alone. In that moment (when you see the film), there is absolute dead proof that you are not alone,” Chbosky said about what he wants the audience to take away from the film.

The standout star is Ezra Miller (Patrick), who is not only the comic relief, but also the true spirit behind the group of misfits. His performance is a perfect representation of the character from the book, if not better. He is flamboyant and courageous and an instant character favorite.

If Miller is the spirit, then Logan Lerman is the heart in his portrayal of Charlie. He plays it in a way that brings a whole new level of vulnerability in such a fragile and shy character. When his heart breaks, so will yours as you watch his progression through the horror of his past. He has a wisdom that is beyond his years and makes you love him from the line “we accept the love that we think we deserve.”

While the shocking ending exposes the truth behind Charlie’s past, the big unanswered question surrounding the film is who “dear friend” may be. Chobsky won’t reveal to whom Charlie writes his letter because he wants the idea audience members create to be the truth for each of them.

“I’ve heard 12 real theories about who “dear friend” is. I have my answer and I will never let 11 people down because they (their answers) are just as cool as my answer could ever be,” Chobsky said.

Whether “dear friend” is the audience, Aunt Helen or Charlie’s best friend, one thing is certain: In the moment when the screen fades and the lights come on, you will know that “in that moment, I swear we were infinite.”