A few months back, I stumbled upon a random movie trailer on Instagram as most of us do. After finding myself an emotional mess from only watching the trailer, I knew I had to see the full film.

“Wonder”, released on Nov. 17, bases its story on a boy named Auggie Pullman, played by Jacob Tremblay, and all the people involved in his life. Auggie was born with problems concerning his hearing, vision and normal facial features. As a result, he underwent a multitude of surgeries and was left with a face full of scars and a unique physical appearance. The movie details his struggles facing the norms and expectations of society as he enters public school for the first time.

This film took characterization to an entirely new level. I originally thought that the plot would only follow Auggie’s story. However, I was completely wrong.

“Wonder” told the stories of many other characters and applied equal if not more emphasis on their journeys compared to Auggie’s. The audience was taken into the lives of Auggie’s sister, fellow classmates and parents. We were pushed to see everyone’s perspectives and experiences, in order to understand that although Auggie faced major conflicts, he wasn’t the only one with problems.

The theater echoed with laughter and then complete silence as the film took the audience on a rollercoaster of emotions through witty comments made by Auggie and serious occasions addressing bullying.

Although the popular actors including Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson starring as Auggie’s parents might have triggered the attention of the film before release, the impeccable acting, significant themes and heartwarming story of “Wonder” are what makes the film truly inspiring.