It is hard to disagree that psychology is an integral part of most modern people’s everyday lives. Almost all today’s TV shows and movies include elements and concepts of psychology, making them even more interesting to watch. One example of such a film is the 2017 American drama Wonder, directed by Stephen Chbosky. It is possible to say that, in Wonder, the topics of child and family psychology are quite well-developed.
The film’s main character, a 10-year-old boy August “Auggie” Pullman, lives in a loving, accepting, and caring family consisting of Auggie himself, his older sister, mother, and father. Despite their mutual love and support, the boy encounters various troubles and concerns when he is enrolled in school after four years of home education. August was born with Treacher Collins syndrome, and his face’s deformation scares and repels many peers. This is precisely where psychology is connected to the movie.
In Wonder, psychological concepts of parental overprotection in general and in relation to the youngest and ‘special’ child, as well as too early maturation of the eldest daughter due to lack of parental attention, are highlighted. Additionally, other psychological topics are bullying based on one’s appearance, the need to be included and accepted, and kids’ mob mentality. This movie shows excellently how parents can competently inspire their child, turn his or her ‘shortcomings’ into features, and encourage them to be braver and ignore peers’ inadequate behavior. Consequently, Wonder can teach both parents and children and make them more aware of psychological concepts.
The movie’s realistic representation of psychology is 5 Stars = Excellent. The film quite realistically portrays a small child’s uncertainty and low self-esteem, reactions to peers’ bullying, inability to accept their appearance, and the need to receive parental unconditional approval, acceptance, and love. It is unlikely that any part of Wonder referring to psychology is unrealistic or exaggerated. Therefore, this film is a perfect example of how psychology can be integrated into a movie to raise the audience’s awareness and morale.