It’s always so refreshing when shyness and awkwardness are celebrated in a movie. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” does just that, while also exploring poignant issues with beautiful ease.

In Stephen Chbosky’s new film, Logan Lerman plays Charlie, an outsider trying to find himself while working through his mental illness. Lerman does a great job portraying the complicated character, making the viewer feel as if he or she is right there with him. Charlie’s vulnerability connects with not only the people he meets in the movie, but also the audience, and viewers can’t help but feel awkward, too.

Sam (Emma Watson), Charlie’s love interest, reveals a new emotional layer of Charlie. Though Watson’s American accent could have been better, she was perfectly convincing as a high school senior trying to find herself. In fact, viewers almost forget she played Hermione altogether.

Newcomer Ezra Miller plays Patrick, Charlie’s new friend. Miller seems like a veteran actor, portraying the flamboyant but sensitive character. Patrick hides his issues behind his great sense of humor. Miller peels back Patrick’s emotional layers one by one, effectively revealing an honest, pure soul.

Though the movie is a little slow in the beginning, it picks up, and the audience becomes emotionally invested in these characters. It stays close to the book the movie is based on while effectively diving deeper into the minds of Charlie, Sam and Patrick. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” entertains and connects with the audience, teaching them being different isn’t all that bad, as long as you find who you truly are.