Story
Wonder is about a boy called Auggie, who was born with a genetic condition that causes a facial deformity. Auggie has been home-schooled by his mother, Isabel (Julia Roberts), but is about to start his first year in public school. Also supported by his father, Nate (Owen Wilson), and his older sister, Via (Isabela Vidovic), Auggie must work out how to fit in at school and battle stereotypes, discrimination and bullying.
Much to his family’s surprise, Auggie shows everyone that not only is he advanced in subjects like science, but he also has a wonderful sense of humour and a maturity well beyond his years.
Auggie’s story is shown from the point of view of important people in his life. This emphasises what life is like when you have a disability and also what it’s like for those who love and support you.
Themes
Disability; family unity; independence; overcoming fear; stereotypes; sacrifice; bullying
Violence
Wonder has some violence. For example:
Sexual references
Wonder has some sexual references. For example, teenagers and adults kiss.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
Wonder shows some substance use. For example, adults drink socially and sometimes talk about getting drunk.
Nudity and sexual activity
Nothing of concern
Product placement
The following products and brands are displayed or used in Wonder:
- Star Wars
- Minecraft
- Law and Order
- Trivial Pursuit
- New York Yankees
- Wii Consoles
- Starbucks
- Xbox
- New York Mets.
Coarse language
Wonder has some coarse language and name-calling.
Ideas to discuss with your children
Wonder shows what it’s like to be a child with a physical disability trying to fit into a society where others find it hard to see past physical appearance. School can be a particularly challenging place for children like Auggie. The movie also shows what life is like for the people around Auggie – for example, his older sister Via, who often gets overlooked because of the focus on her little brother.
Wonder isn’t recommended for children under eight. Also, we recommend parental guidance for children aged 8-13 years, because of the movie’s themes and violence.
The main messages from this movie are about accepting others and looking beyond external appearances into people’s real characters.
You could talk about these messages with your children. You could also talk with them about the bullying shown in the movie.