The Half of It

The Half of It is a charming and thought-provoking 2020 dramedy that strikes a fine balance between friendship, love, and the puzzle of human relationships. It is a visually stunning film that offers a fresh perspective on the classic love triangle, releasing it from the realm of cliché and using it to explore deeper themes of identity, self-discovery, and the beauty of human connection. The film, directed by Alice Wu and starring Leah Lewis, Daniel Diemer, and Alexxis Lemire, has been frequently lauded for its beautiful script, compelling performances, and nuanced directorial choices.

In the heart of the rural town of Squahamish, high school introvert Ellie Chu (played by Leah Lewis) makes a living by selling homework to her classmates. She's a gifted writer with a knack for expressing others' thoughts and feelings better than they can. Her monotonous life in the small-minded town is suddenly disrupted when she crosses paths with a kind-hearted jock, Paul Munsky (portrayed by Daniel Diemer). Paul is a football player with a heart of gold and is hopelessly in love with the popular girl Aster Flores (Alexxis Lemire). He approaches Ellie for help in writing love letters to charm Aster, stirring up an unlikely friendship.

The Half of It adopts a brilliant storytelling style, with Ellie serving as a pseudo-narrator whose command over words affords the audience deep insights into the hearts and minds of the characters. As the story progresses, an unexpected complexity begins to emerge. The letter-writing charade inadvertently forms a connection between not only Paul and Aster but also Paul and Ellie, as well as Ellie and Aster herself, giving rise to a heartwarming exploration of teenage awkwardness, unspoken feelings, and personal discovery.

The performances in the film are excellent and deeply moving. Leah Lewis, as Ellie, perfectly embodying her character's intelligence, introverted nature, and fulfilled potential, is truly captivating. Daniel Diemer, in the role of the good-natured jock Paul, beautifully captures his character's earnestness and gentility. Alexxis Lemire is also commendable as Aster, offering an interesting and refreshing take on the stereotypical popular girl, presenting her with gravitas, complexity, and a truly relatable sense of humanity. Together, each of the central characters contributes to the film's exploration of the complexities of human relationships, love, and friendship.

The film's sense of place is also worthy of its praise. Squahamish, a small, close-knit community, forms an significant backdrop to the story. Every shot, every location in the film, whether it be a church pew or an open field, exudes atmosphere and sets the tone for the introspective narrative. The town almost serves as its own character, subtly offering a contrast to Ellie's more expansive inner world.

The Half of It is more than just a teenage romantic comedy; it is a heartwarming and empowering exploration of friendship, love, and the beauty of personal discovery. It tactfully unpacks and redefines traditional romantic tropes, elevating them to delve into more profound issues such as self-identity, acceptance, and the universal human yearning for connection.

At its core, the narrative is a celebration of genuine human connection that transcends conventional relationships. It challenges and indulges in the messy, beautiful nature of love and friendship, acknowledging the intricacies and layers within. Alice Wu's distinctive vision, humor, and compassion make The Half of It a film that strives to connect, to resonate, and above all else, to depict the human experience in its most profound and meaningful form.

Despite its tender-hearted exploration of teenage love, the film never succumbs to melodrama or stereotypical depictions, instead opting for an authentic, nuanced portrayal of its characters. Each character is lovingly brought to life, complete with strengths, flaws, and quirks that make them profoundly relatable and deeply human. The end results are characters who feel genuine, conversations that resonate on a humanly profound level, and a narrative that remains movingly insightful long after the credits roll.

In The Half of It, characters navigate through the labyrinth of adolescence, quests for identity, and the confusing maze that is love. These medley of experiences are beautifully captured in a manner that is both cinematic and personal. It compassionately encourages its viewers to embrace their own individuality, never losing sight of its empathetic core amidst its poignant unraveling of the human heart. Combining excellent performances, a heartwarming narrative, and a poignant exploration of love and friendship, The Half of It is a deeply moving, beautifully crafted film that resonates on a deeply human level.