Miracle (film)

Wonder (Original Title: Wonder) is a 2017 family drama film adapted from one of New York Times’ best-selling novels. It tells the story of August “Auggie” Pullman, a boy born with facial differences. The film follows Auggie’s journey as he transitions from homeschooling to attending Beecher Prep, a private school, for the first time in fifth grade, and explores how he adapts to his new social environment and how those around him are affected by this experience.

Wonder Official Trailer (YouTube)

Plot

Auggie Pullman was born with Treacher Collins syndrome, a rare genetic condition, and has undergone more than 27 surgeries. Raised at home in Manhattan by his mother Isabel, Auggie enters fifth grade at school for the first time. Initially shunned by his classmates, he gradually forms genuine friendships with peers like Jack Will and Summer.

Throughout his school experience, Auggie confronts not only his own challenges but also society’s prejudice based on appearance. During a school trip, he is attacked by a group of outsiders, but his classmates come to his defense. This incident changes the class’s perception of him. Meanwhile, his sister Via grapples with her own internal struggles, reevaluates her relationship with her former friend Miranda, and takes on the lead role in a school play. The death of the family dog Daisy further deepens the emotional resonance of the story. The film concludes with Auggie receiving the “Friendship and Courage” award at his graduation ceremony.

Scene from the Film (IMDb)

Themes

The film Wonder explores universal themes such as tolerance of differences, empathy, courage, and acceptance. Auggie’s experiences of exclusion and bullying, followed by the emergence of friendship, lead characters and viewers to recognize inner beauty and move beyond societal norms. The film emphasizes that true heroism lies in accepting people as they are.

Scene from the Film (IMDb)

Cast and Characters

• Jacob Tremblay – August “Auggie” Pullman: A 10-year-old boy born with facial differences who enters school for the first time in fifth grade.
• Julia Roberts – Isabel Pullman: Auggie’s mother, who homeschools him and provides unwavering emotional support.
• Owen Wilson – Nate Pullman: Auggie’s father, a supportive and humorous character.
• Izabela Vidovic – Olivia “Via” Pullman: Auggie’s older sister, who navigates her own challenges while standing by her brother.
• Millie Davis – Summer: A classmate who approaches Auggie with kindness and becomes his friend.
• Noah Jupe – Jack Will: Initially pretends to befriend Auggie but eventually becomes a true friend.
• Bryce Gheisar – Julian Albans: One of the students who bullies Auggie.
• Mandy Patinkin – Mr. Tushman: The principal of Beecher Prep who supports Auggie.
• Daveed Diggs – Mr. Browne: One of Auggie’s teachers who instills moral values in his students.
• Danielle Rose Russell – Miranda: Via’s former best friend.
• Nadji Jeter – Justin: A classmate of Via who later becomes her boyfriend.

Box Office Performance

Wonder earned over $300 million worldwide, achieving significant box office success. It holds a 7.9/10 rating on IMDb based on more than 189,000 user reviews and received widespread critical acclaim from both audiences and critics.

Awards and Nominations

Awards Won

• Saturn Award – Best Performance by a Younger Actor (Jacob Tremblay)
• Heartland Film Truly Moving Picture Award
• Humanitas Prize – Family Film
• Artios Award – Best Casting
• Make-Up and Hair Stylists Guild – Best Make-Up

Nominations

• Academy Award – Best Makeup and Hairstyling
• BAFTA – Best Adapted Screenplay
• Critics’ Choice Award – Best Young Performer
• SAG Award – Outstanding Performance by a Cast
• Teen Choice Award – Choice Family Movie
• Satellite Award – Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture (Julia Roberts)
• People’s Choice Award – Favorite Family Movie