Wonder
2017 — 1h 53min — PG — Drama
Director
Stephen Chbosky
Writers
Stephen Chbosky, Steve Conrad, Jack Thorne
Actors
Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Jacob Tremblay, Izabela Vidovic
Synopsis
Wonder introduces August “Auggie” Pullman, a boy born with severe facial deformities. Having only been homeschooled, he enters fifth grade and encounters his peers for the first time. Through challenges and triumphs, bullies and new friends, Auggie learns that you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.
Redemptive Analogy
Wonder beautifully mirrors the Christian journey, emphasizing kindness, forgiveness, and the transformative power of love. The characters' struggles with bullying, broken friendships, and identity reflect our own battles with sin and the need for redemption. This film offers a profound opportunity to discuss how Jesus' teachings guide us to love, accept, and uplift one another.
Conversation Starters
In your own words, ask a few of these questions during the natural conversation after the movie.
Mask Off
Auggie prefers to hide his facial deformity under his space helmet, but it isn’t until he takes his mask off that his life begins to blossom. We all have masks we’d rather leave on. Have you recognized masks in yourself or others? What are benefits of taking off our masks?
Possible Response
We all wear masks to protect ourselves, but authentic relationships require honesty and vulnerability. (Eph. 4:25) God accepts and loves us as we are (1 John 4:18), we are not mistakes (Ps. 139), but God is also transformingus into His image. (2 Cor. 3:18, 5:17)
What’s Your Precept
Mr. Browne teaches about precepts—ideas or principles that inspire and guideus in important decisions and reveal our true selves. They challenge us to ask, "Who do I aspire to be?" and "What kind of person am I?" What is one precept or guiding principle you live by?
Possible Response
Consider answering this by sharing your life verse—a Bible verse that is special to you—or a biblical principle that guides you and explain its significance to you.
Choose Kind
The first precept, “When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.” What does this mean to you?
Possible Response
The Bible has much to say about kindness. Kindness is one of the fruits of the Spirit. (Gal. 5:22-23) With it, we forgive (Eph. 4:32) and love our enemies. (Luke 6:35) And it is God’s kindness that guides us to repentance, leading to salvation. (Rom. 2:4) Also, when we prioritize being right over being kind, we are acting in pride. (Phil. 2:3)
Bully
Julian quickly becomes Auggie’s main bully. Why do you think he behaves this way?
Possible Response
Anyone can be a bully because we all sin. (Rom. 3:10, 23; 1 John 1:10) Julian might be motivated by fear (1 John 4:18), insecurity (Prov. 29:25), pride (Prov. 16:18), or negative influences. (1 Cor. 15:33)Understanding this helps us respond with compassion.
Friendship 101
Auggie and Jack become friends when Auggie helps Jack cheat on a pop-quiz. Ignoring the moral dilemma, how do you make new friends today?
Possible Response
Be sure to listen to your guests’ answers. They might help you make a new friend. Also, this might strike a chord, as many adults feel friendlessand want to make new friends but don't know how.
Who Are You?
Which character in the movie do you relate to the most—Auggie, Via, Mom, Dad, Jack, Summer, Justin, Miranda, Mr. Tushman, or Julian—and why?
Possible Response
Make this a listening exercise and relate to people where they are. Part of being kind is listening and accepting one another. (Eph. 4:32; Rom. 15:7) Remember, God isn’t done with anyone, and He has a good plan for those who love Him. (Jer. 29:11)
Make Believe
Via pretendsshe’s an only child, and Miranda pretends she has a brother with a facial deformity. Why do you think they do this? Why can pretending be so tempting?
Possible Response
Humans have been pretending since Adam and Eve clothed themselves with fig leaves. (Gen. 3:7-12) Guilt, shame, fear, or a desire for acceptance can tempt us to pretend. Jesus removes our guilt and shame (Rom. 8:1; 1 John 1:9), freeing us to live authentically. Reflect on why pretending tempts us and how truth sets us free. (John 8:32)
Friendship Regained
One theme of the movie is the restoration of broken friendships, like Auggie and Jack or Via and Miranda. Have you ever restored a broken friendship? If so, how did it happen?
Possible Response
Reconciling broken relationships is important to God. (Matt. 5:23-24) Friends support us through hard times. (Prov. 17:17) When friendships are broken, choose to value others above yourself and forgive offenses. (Phil. 2:3; Matt. 18:21-22) As much as it depends on you, seek peace and reconciliation. (Rom. 12:18)
Rescue
When Auggie and Jack are attacked in the forest by big “seventh graders,” other students show up just in time to save the day. Have you ever saved someone’s day or needed rescuing yourself?
Possible Response
Consider sharing a time when God rescued you from something. Paul reminds us to carry each other's burdens. (Gal. 6:2) Jesus taught we're to care for others, regardless of who they are. (Luke 10:33-34)
Greatness
Before Mr. Tushman gives Auggie his award, he shares about gaining a new understanding of greatness. In your opinion, what makes a person great?
Possible Response
Greatness is defined not by power or status, but by humility and service to others. (Matt. 20:26-28) A great person reflects Christ's love, shows kindness and compassion, and puts others' needs before their own. (Phil. 2:3-4) True greatness is found in loving and serving others as Jesus did. (John 13:14-15)