Try Harder!

Try Harder! is a poignant and inspiring 2021 documentary film that takes a deep dive into the high-stakes world of schooling, college admissions, and the aspirations of students navigating it all. Featuring engaging contributions from protagonists Alvan Cai, Shealand Fairchild, and Rachael Schmidt, this film transports its audience directly into the pulsating heart of San Francisco's Lowell High School, an elite public institution acclaimed for its academically rigorous curriculum and its reputation as a feeder school for Ivy League universities and prestigious colleges. Directed by the talented Debbie Lum, the film artfully explores the pressures and challenges experienced by the bright, hardworking students habitually caught in the highly competitive whirlwind of rigorous academics and college applications.

One of the most compelling aspects of Try Harder! is its truthful and unfiltered portrayal of the contemporary American educational system. It subtly uncovers the layers of struggle, toil, anxiety, and resilience embedded in the demanding journey to a top-tier college. The film is particularly focused on the intensely competitive college admissions process, leaving viewers with plenty of food for thought on the pertinent issues of meritocracy, inequity, and the socio-cultural dynamics shaping American education.

The film centers around a handful of high-achieving seniors, including Alvan Cai, Shealand Fairchild, and Rachael Schmidt, whose personal narratives are intricately woven into the larger tapestry of Lowell High's bustling energy. Each one grapples with their unique ambitions, expectations, disappointments, and triumphs, their individual stories coming together to form a striking microcosm of Lowell High's ambitious population. Alvan, Shealand, and Rachael represent many of their peers, each embodying a distinct facet of the school's diverse and determined student body. Whether it's wrestling with Advanced Placement classes, striving to excel in extracurricular activities, or feeling the highs and lows of college acceptance and rejection, their journey is intensely relatable for anyone who's experienced the roller coaster ride of college admissions.

Director Debbie Lum does an excellent job of maintaining an impartial lens, presenting the students' journeys without overt commentary. Yet, she deftly indicates the palpable stress, borderline obsession with prestige, and the harsh reality of not everyone landing their dream school, even if they tick all the boxes on their application. It becomes increasingly clear that acceptance to an Ivy League school is far more complex and unpredictable than simply maintaining stellar grades or securing leadership positions. The documentary, through a raw and honest narrative, exposes the genuine human cost of this pressure cooker environment and its impact on a student's self-esteem, mental health, and overall well-being.

Race is another delicate topic that Try Harder! touches upon with sensitivity and insight. It showcases how different racial identities, when juxtaposed with Lowell High’s predominantly Asian demographics, are perceived and valued during college admissions. These candid discussions add depth and complexity to the film, distinguishing it from a simple narration of stress and competition.

The visual aesthetics of Try Harder! are worth mentioning, with Lum skillfully capturing the vibrancy, spirit, and stress that coexist within Lowell’s corridors and classrooms. The film employs an appealing mix of direct student interviews, observational footage of the school's day-to-day life, important moments during their application process, and poignant animated sequences that reflect the vivid imagination and inner states of these teenagers.

In a nutshell, Try Harder! is a contemplative exploration of the predicaments of modern education, depicted through the heart-touching experiences and ambitions of some of America's brightest young minds. It is a must-watch for educators, parents, students, and anyone interested in understanding the ongoing conversation around education, success, and societal pressure. Without romanticizing or villainizing its subjects, the film serves as a remarkably empathetic mirror into the aspirations, dilemmas, and tenacity of today's youth, encapsulating the spirit of striving against odds exemplified by the students of Lowell High School.