Netflix Gets The Most Heartwarming Family Drama In Years, Get Your Tissues Now

The movie is based on the novel of the same name by R.J. Palacio, and it focuses on a 10-year-old boy, August “Auggie” Pullman (Tremblay), who was born with a facial deformity called mandibulofacial dysostosis. As a result, he has been subjected to 27 surgeries just so he can eat, smell, speak, see, and hear. We learn early on that his mother, Isabel (Roberts) has essentially devoted her entire life for the last ten years to caring for her son and making his life as “normal” as possible.

And that’s just the beginning of why you should stream Wonder on Netflix. 

Auggie also has a big sister, Via (Izabela Vidovic), who is a typical teenager in many ways, but also deeply loving and cares for her brother. She’s got her small circle of friends, which includes her best friend, Miranda, played by Danielle Rose Russell. At the same time, we understand that she longs for more of a “normal” teenage life.

In particular, she would like more attention from her mother. It truly is a wonder that this film that celebrates the complexity of the human spirit will be available to stream on Netflix.

Finally, we have the father, Nate, who has a minor but critical role as the supportive husband, played by a stout and serious Owen Wilson. Isabel, as the maternal figure in the family, finds herself trying to balance her extreme protectiveness for her son, her love for her daughter, and her need to be a fully engaged wife to her husband. Any mother playing similar roles to those of Isabel cannot help but feel for this character in Wonder, and be grateful that Netflix will soon have it available for streaming. 

In the story, Auggie has always been home-schooled, but as he is preparing for fifth grade, his parents decide to enroll him in a private middle school, complete with the fabulous Mandy Patinkin as the principal. There, Auggie shows himself to be a true wonder as he navigates friends, bullies, and being the “freak” in school; there’s nothing like this story on Netflix today. 

Meanwhile, Via struggles to maintain her friendships, to enjoy time with her brother despite him getting all of the familial attention, and to fight for her mother’s affection. And Roberts manages to pull off her character’s heartfelt tug-of-war brilliantly. Even when she does get time to herself, Isabel ends up distracted by an Auggie emergency.

Fortunately, Wonder manages to wrap this all up in the most beautiful ways on Netflix. But you will undoubtedly need tissues. 

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I highly recommend that you set a reminder to watch Wonder on Netflix as soon as you can. Because you will likely want to watch it again, and then suggest it to all of your friends. This film is one to remember.