Unpacking “Wonder 2017”: A Heartfelt Summary of Auggie Pullman’s Unforgettable Year

To truly understand the Wonder 2017 summary, you’re into the deeply moving story of August “Auggie” Pullman, a boy with unique facial differences who steps into a mainstream middle school for the very first time, showing us all the power of kindness and acceptance. This film isn’t just about one kid’s journey. it’s a profound look at how one person’s courage can ripple through an entire community, teaching everyone involved invaluable lessons about empathy, resilience, and seeing beyond what’s on the surface. Based on R.J. Palacio’s bestselling novel, “Wonder” beautifully brings to life a narrative that’s both challenging and ultimately uplifting, demonstrating that while life throws tough stuff our way, choosing kindness is always the best path forward. It’s a reminder that everyone, no matter their outward appearance, is a “wonder” in their own right, and sometimes, the biggest struggles lead to the most extraordinary triumphs.

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The Heart of the Story: Auggie’s Journey to Beecher Prep

The whole movie centers around August “Auggie” Pullman, played by the incredible Jacob Tremblay, a 10-year-old who just wants to be a normal kid. But Auggie isn’t “normal” in the way society often defines it, because he was born with a rare genetic condition called mandibulofacial dysostosis, or Treacher Collins syndrome, which has significantly affected his facial development. This isn’t just about how he looks. it’s about the countless medical procedures he’s endured – 27 surgeries by the time the film begins, to be exact – just to help him see, hear, and breathe more easily.

Auggie’s World Before School

Before “Wonder” kicks off, Auggie’s life has been pretty sheltered. His amazing mom, Isabel Pullman Julia Roberts, took on the role of his primary educator, homeschooling him for years. This wasn’t just a preference. it was a necessity due to his ongoing medical needs and the desire to protect him from the harsh realities of the outside world. His home was a safe haven, a place where he could be himself without judgment, where his vivid imagination could soar, often envisioning himself as an astronaut, complete with a helmet that he frequently wore in public. He loved his “Star Wars” and Minecraft, just like any other kid, but the helmet gave him a shield, a way to navigate a world that often stared. His family—his mom, his dad Nate Owen Wilson, and his older sister Via Izabela Vidovic—were his universe, a strong unit of support and unconditional love.

The Big Step: Mainstream Education

As Auggie approaches fifth grade, his parents make a monumental decision: it’s time for him to attend a mainstream school, Beecher Prep. Can you imagine how terrifying that must be? For Auggie, it’s like preparing for a trip to Mars without his trusty astronaut helmet. His parents, Isabel and Nate, are naturally apprehensive, knowing the potential for cruelty and isolation he might face. But they also know he needs to learn to socialize, to find his place in the world.

The film perfectly captures that initial fear and awkwardness. Auggie’s first encounters at Beecher Prep are rough. kids stare, whispers follow him, and some outright avoid him. It’s a raw, honest portrayal of how people react to differences. Mr. Tushman, the principal Mandy Patinkin, tries to ease the transition by arranging for a few students—Jack Will, Julian Albans, and Charlotte Cody—to give Auggie a tour. While Jack and Charlotte are somewhat kind, Julian, unfortunately, quickly establishes himself as the class bully, making Auggie’s new reality even harder. This transition, full of both hope and heartbreak, truly sets the stage for the rest of Auggie’s unforgettable year.

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Key Players in Auggie’s Orbit: The Characters

“Wonder” isn’t just Auggie’s story. it’s a tapestry woven with the experiences of everyone whose lives he touches. The film smartly shifts perspectives, allowing us to peek into the struggles and triumphs of his family and friends, reminding us that everyone has their own battles to fight.

The Pullman Family: A Pillar of Support

The Pullman family is the bedrock of Auggie’s world, a testament to enduring love and resilience.

August “Auggie” Pullman

As we’ve talked about, Auggie, portrayed by Jacob Tremblay, is the heart of the film. His facial differences are due to Treacher Collins syndrome. Despite numerous surgeries, he doesn’t “look ordinary,” as he says. What really shines through is his intelligence, his sharp wit, his love for science and “Star Wars,” and his boundless imagination. Auggie’s journey is about finding his place, learning to trust, and ultimately, inspiring others to see beyond appearances. His growth from a shy, helmet-wearing boy to a confident young man who embraces his unique self is profoundly moving.

Isabel Pullman Mom

Julia Roberts delivers a powerful performance as Isabel, Auggie’s mother. She’s been his biggest advocate, putting her own life and career on hold to homeschool and care for him. Her love is fierce and protective, but she also recognizes the importance of letting Auggie experience the world, even if it means risking his hurt. Her struggle is relatable for any parent balancing protection with the need to foster independence. She champions the idea of “choosing kind” and is Auggie’s constant source of strength.

Nate Pullman Dad

Owen Wilson plays Nate, Auggie’s easygoing and supportive father. While Isabel is often the more serious and anxious parent, Nate provides much-needed levity and a sense of normalcy. He’s the one who engages Auggie in lightsaber fights and reminds him of the joy in everyday life. He also faces his own quiet struggles, like the admission that he secretly put away Auggie’s astronaut helmet because he missed seeing his son’s face, highlighting the complex emotions within the family. His role, though sometimes more for comic relief, is crucial in showing a balanced family dynamic. Get Your Official Wondershare Filmora License Key and Registration Code: A Real Talk Guide

Olivia “Via” Pullman Sister

Izabela Vidovic gives a standout performance as Olivia, or “Via,” Auggie’s older sister. Her perspective is a vital part of the story, showing the often-unseen side of growing up with a sibling who requires so much attention. Via is incredibly loving and protective of Auggie, but she also feels overlooked and struggles with her own identity as she enters high school. Her storyline explores her friendships, her passion for drama, and her budding romance with Justin Hollander Nadji Jeter, all while grappling with feeling like “just Auggie’s sister”. Her journey teaches us about self-discovery and the importance of finding your own voice amidst family dynamics.

Friends and Foes: Navigating the Social Maze

Auggie’s entry into school introduces him to a whole new cast of characters who profoundly impact his experience.

Jack Will

Noah Jupe plays Jack Will, who becomes one of Auggie’s first and most significant friends at Beecher Prep. Their friendship is one of the most heartwarming aspects of the film, built on genuine connection and a shared sense of being outsiders. However, their bond is tested when Auggie overhears Jack making insensitive remarks about him to other popular kids, driven by peer pressure. This moment of betrayal is tough, but it ultimately leads to a powerful reconciliation through a Minecraft message, highlighting the complexities of young friendships and the importance of owning up to mistakes.

Summer Dawson

Millie Davis portrays Summer Dawson, another kind and loyal friend to Auggie. Summer is perhaps the first student who genuinely reaches out to Auggie, sitting with him at lunch when he’s initially isolated. She’s unaffected by the “Plague” rumor a cruel game where kids avoid touching Auggie, and her friendship is a quiet but powerful act of kindness and acceptance. She helps Auggie navigate the social and reminds us that true friendship often starts with a simple, genuine gesture.

Julian Albans

Bryce Gheisar takes on the role of Julian Albans, the primary antagonist and class bully. Julian’s character serves as a stark contrast to Auggie’s kindness, initially making cruel jokes and actively ostracizing Auggie. His actions reflect the hurtful side of peer pressure and the influence of parents who model similar behaviors. Julian’s story, particularly his eventual suspension and transfer, underscores the film’s anti-bullying message and the consequences of unkindness. How to Actually Create Engaging Quizzes for Free: Beyond Wondershare QuizCreator

Mr. Tushman and Mr. Browne

Mandy Patinkin as Mr. Tushman, the principal, and Daveed Diggs as Mr. Browne, the English teacher, represent the supportive adult figures outside Auggie’s family. Mr. Tushman is a compassionate leader who actively tries to foster an inclusive environment and addresses bullying head-on. Mr. Browne’s “precepts” – monthly inspirational quotes – are a central thematic device, encouraging students to reflect on kindness, courage, and character. They provide a moral compass for the students and show the impact of empathetic educators.

Miranda Navas

Danielle Rose Russell plays Miranda, Via’s former best friend. Miranda’s storyline adds another layer of complexity to the theme of identity and belonging. After a summer at camp where she gained popularity by fabricating a story about having a brother with a facial deformity, she returns estranged from Via. Her struggle highlights the pressures teenagers face and how easily people can lose themselves trying to fit in. Ultimately, she makes a selfless choice that helps Via shine, showcasing a journey towards self-acceptance and true friendship.

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Unpacking the Core: Major Themes of Wonder

“Wonder” resonates deeply because it taps into universal human experiences, exploring themes that are crucial for people of all ages to reflect upon.

Choosing Kindness

This is arguably the most prominent theme, encapsulated in Mr. Browne’s first precept: “When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind“. The film constantly puts characters in situations where they have this choice, from Summer sitting with Auggie at lunch to the boys defending him during the camping trip. It’s not about being naive. it’s about actively making an effort to be compassionate and understanding, even when it’s difficult or when others aren’t. The movie powerfully demonstrates how a single act of kindness can have a ripple effect, changing perceptions and fostering a more inclusive environment. Level Up Your Learning: Mastering Wondershare Quiz Creator for Engaging Quizzes!

The Power of Empathy and Acceptance

“Wonder” is a machine for creating empathy, as one critic put it. It achieves this by presenting Auggie’s experiences, but crucially, also by shifting perspectives to Via, Jack, and even Miranda. This multi-perspective narrative allows us to understand the different pressures, insecurities, and motivations of each character, moving beyond simple judgments. We see how Auggie’s presence forces everyone around him to confront their own biases and to truly see him as a person, not just his face. This journey towards acceptance, both of Auggie by others and by Auggie himself, is central to the film’s message.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Auggie’s life is a testament to resilience. He has endured countless physical challenges, from surgeries to daily discomfort, and then steps into the emotional battlefield of a new school. Despite moments of heartbreak and feeling defeated, he consistently picks himself up and keeps trying. His courage in facing stares, whispers, and outright bullying, all while maintaining his sense of humor and intelligence, is truly inspiring. The film shows that true strength isn’t about not feeling pain, but about pushing through it with grace and determination.

The Complexities of Family Love

The Pullman family dynamic is portrayed with refreshing honesty. While their love for Auggie is unwavering, the film doesn’t shy away from the sacrifices made or the challenges faced by each member. Via’s feelings of being secondary, Isabel’s put-on-hold career, and Nate’s quiet worries all contribute to a realistic depiction of a family navigating extraordinary circumstances with ordinary emotions. It highlights how strong family bonds, built on open communication and mutual support, can help overcome any obstacle.

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Behind the Scenes: Making of Wonder 2017

Bringing a beloved book like “Wonder” to the big screen is no small feat, and the team behind the 2017 film did an exceptional job of capturing its essence. Wondershare Passport on Mac: Your Complete Guide to Mastering Wondershare Tools!

From Bestseller to Big Screen

The movie “Wonder” is a direct adaptation of R.J. Palacio’s incredibly popular 2012 novel of the same name. Stephen Chbosky, known for directing “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” helmed the film, co-writing the screenplay with Steven Conrad and Jack Thorne. The challenge was to faithfully adapt the book’s multi-perspective storytelling, which they managed to do quite well, allowing audiences to experience the story not just from Auggie’s point of view, but also from Via’s, Jack’s, and even Miranda’s. The use of special effects and makeup was crucial to create Auggie’s facial differences in a believable and respectful way, a task that earned the film an Academy Award nomination.

Critical Acclaim and Box Office Success

“Wonder” was released in the United States on November 17, 2017, by Lionsgate. It quickly resonated with audiences and critics alike, receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film boasts an impressive approval rating of 86% based on 189 reviews, with an average rating of 7.1/10. Critics praised its heartfelt narrative, strong direction by Stephen Chbosky, and the exceptional performances, particularly from Jacob Tremblay as Auggie, Julia Roberts as Isabel, and Izabela Vidovic as Via.

The film was also a significant commercial success. Against a modest production budget of $20 million, “Wonder” grossed an impressive $315 million worldwide. This financial triumph underscored the film’s broad appeal and the universal resonance of its message. Deadline Hollywood even calculated that the film made a net profit of $55.3 million, showcasing its profitability and reach. Its success proved that audiences were hungry for a touching, character-driven drama that delivered a powerful message of kindness and acceptance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main story of Wonder 2017 about?

The main story of “Wonder” 2017 revolves around August “Auggie” Pullman, a 10-year-old boy born with severe facial differences due to Treacher Collins syndrome. After being homeschooled for years, his parents decide to enroll him in a mainstream middle school, Beecher Prep, for the fifth grade. The film chronicles his journey of navigating a new social environment, making friends, facing bullies, and ultimately inspiring his classmates and community to “choose kind” and see beyond his appearance. Wondershare PDF Editor Price: Your Ultimate Guide to Getting the Best Deal

Who are the main characters in Wonder 2017?

The main characters in “Wonder” 2017 are August “Auggie” Pullman played by Jacob Tremblay, his parents Isabel Julia Roberts and Nate Owen Wilson, and his older sister Olivia “Via” Pullman Izabela Vidovic. Other significant characters include Auggie’s friends Jack Will Noah Jupe and Summer Dawson Millie Davis, the class bully Julian Albans Bryce Gheisar, and his supportive teachers and principal, Mr. Browne Daveed Diggs and Mr. Tushman Mandy Patinkin.

What medical condition does Auggie Pullman have in Wonder?

Auggie Pullman in “Wonder” 2017 has Treacher Collins syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by craniofacial deformities. This condition affects the development of bones and other tissues in the face, leading to distinctive facial features, as well as potential difficulties with breathing, hearing, and vision. Auggie has undergone 27 surgeries to help with these functional aspects.

What are the main themes explored in the movie Wonder?

“Wonder” 2017 explores several powerful themes, including the profound importance of kindness and empathy, encouraging viewers to “choose kind.” It also delves into acceptance, both of oneself and of others regardless of their differences, and the theme of resilience in facing adversity. Additionally, the film highlights the complexities of family love and support, as well as the pervasive issue of bullying and its impact.

How was Wonder 2017 received by critics and at the box office?

“Wonder” 2017 was very well-received by critics and was a significant box office success. It holds an 86% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and grossed $315 million worldwide against a $20 million production budget. Critics praised its heartwarming story, strong performances, and its ability to deliver a powerful message without being overly sentimental. It was even nominated for an Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.

Is Wonder 2017 based on a true story?

No, “Wonder” 2017 is not based on a true story. It is an adaptation of the immensely popular 2012 New York Times bestselling novel of the same name, written by R.J. Palacio. While the story is fictional, it draws on universal experiences of difference, acceptance, and the challenges of fitting in, making it feel very real and relatable. Wondershare pdf price

What role does Auggie’s sister Via play in the movie?

Auggie’s older sister, Olivia “Via” Pullman, plays a crucial role in “Wonder” by offering a different perspective on living in a family where one child has extraordinary needs. Her storyline explores her feelings of being overlooked and her struggles with her own identity as she enters high school. Via’s journey includes navigating changing friendships, discovering her passion for theater, and finding her own voice, demonstrating that even siblings of children with special needs have their own challenges and deserve recognition.