Wonder (2017)
Synopsis:
August Pullman is a boy with facial differences who has been homeschooled his entire life. When he enters fifth grade, he attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time, facing the daunting challenge of fitting in and making friends. With the support of his parents Isabel and Nate, and his older sister Via, Auggie navigates the complexities of school life, encountering both kindness and cruelty from his classmates. As he forms friendships with students like Jack Will and Summer, while dealing with bullying from others like Julian, Auggie's journey becomes one of courage, acceptance, and resilience. The story explores how one boy's determination to be seen for who he truly is impacts everyone around him, teaching valuable lessons about empathy, compassion, and the importance of choosing kindness.
Where To Watch: Wonder
Parental Feedback
Wonder carries a heartfelt and emotionally resonant tone that balances moments of warmth with scenes that may prompt tears or reflection. The pacing is steady and deliberate, allowing families to absorb the weight of its themes around acceptance, kindness, and navigating difference. Parents should be prepared for sequences that explore bullying, social isolation, and the emotional challenges faced by a child with facial differences, though the overall approach remains hopeful and uplifting rather than harsh or overly intense.
Why Kids Should Watch Wonder
Wonder offers several meaningful lessons that resonate with young viewers navigating their own social worlds.
The story centers on August Pullman, a boy with facial differences entering mainstream elementary school for the first time, providing a powerful lens into empathy and understanding others who may look or feel different. Children can learn to see beyond appearances and appreciate the person within.
The narrative reinforces the importance of kindness and courage in everyday interactions, showing how small acts of friendship and standing up for what's right can transform lives. These themes are woven naturally into the school setting that many children will recognize.
With a strong ensemble cast including Jacob Tremblay, Julia Roberts, and Owen Wilson, the performances bring authenticity and emotional depth to the family dynamics and friendships portrayed. The characters feel genuine and relatable, making the story's messages more impactful.
The family-centered drama genre ensures that the content remains accessible and appropriate for younger audiences while still addressing meaningful topics. The PG rating and family-friendly approach make it suitable for shared viewing and discussion.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch Wonder
Despite its positive messages, there are aspects parents may want to consider before viewing.
The depiction of bullying behavior, particularly from the character Julian, includes verbal taunts and social exclusion that some sensitive children might find upsetting or difficult to watch. These scenes, while ultimately serving the story's message, can be emotionally challenging.
The emotional intensity of certain moments—including scenes where Auggie faces rejection or hurt—may be confusing or overwhelming for very young or particularly empathetic viewers. Parents should be ready to provide comfort and context during these sequences.
The runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes requires sustained attention, which may be challenging for younger children who struggle with longer viewing sessions. The deliberate pacing, while effective for the story, means there are fewer action-driven or high-energy moments to maintain engagement.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Wonder earns approval as a thoughtful, age-appropriate family drama that sparks important conversations about empathy, acceptance, and kindness.
What Parents Should Know About Wonder
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, the story consistently models kindness, courage, empathy, and standing up for others through the actions of Auggie, his family, and friends like Jack Will and Summer. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Yes, scenes depicting bullying, social rejection, and Auggie's emotional struggles may be intense for sensitive viewers and could prompt questions or require parental support. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, characters who engage in bullying or exclusion face social and disciplinary consequences, and the narrative clearly positions their behavior as wrong. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, the story emphasizes apologizing when wrong, choosing kindness, supporting friends through difficult times, and working together as a family and school community. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Yes, the central message encourages choosing kindness, looking beyond appearances, and recognizing that everyone faces their own battles and deserves compassion. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally appreciate Wonder for its thoughtful handling of difficult topics and its ability to spark meaningful family conversations about difference, empathy, and kindness. Many note that the strong performances, particularly from Jacob Tremblay as Auggie, help children connect emotionally with the story's themes. While some parents caution that the bullying scenes and emotional moments may require preparation or discussion with more sensitive children, the consensus is that the positive messages and family-friendly approach make it a valuable viewing experience. The PG rating feels appropriate, and most families find the content suitable for elementary-aged children and up, especially when parents are available to process the themes together afterward.
Official Wonder Trailer
Why Kids Love Wonder
Auggie steps into fifth grade at a mainstream elementary school for the first time, wearing his astronaut helmet like armor before facing a whole new universe of classmates. Kids love watching him navigate crowded hallways and lunchroom chaos, turning everyday school moments into brave adventures where every friendly face feels like a victory.
Jack Will and Summer become unexpected allies in Auggie's mission to survive recess and group projects, proving that the best friendships pop up when you least expect them. Their lunch table becomes headquarters for inside jokes and secret handshakes, transforming ordinary cafeteria scenes into exciting hangout spots where loyalty matters more than popularity.
Via juggles her own school drama while keeping her family together, showing that siblings can be secret superheroes without capes or special effects. Her scenes add extra layers of action as she balances friends, family, and finding her own spotlight in the chaos of everyday life.
Mr. Tushman and the Pullman parents create a safety net that lets Auggie take bigger risks, from science fair showdowns to school play excitement. Kids cheer when Auggie's crew bands together, proving that teamwork turns scary situations into moments where standing out becomes the coolest superpower of all.