🎥 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐟 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐭 (𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎)

The Half of It (2020), directed by Alice Wu, is a poignant coming-of-age drama that explores themes of love, identity, and friendship through the lens of a modern-day reimagining of the classic Cyrano de Bergerac. Set in a small, seemingly quiet town, the film follows Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis), a shy, introverted Chinese-American high school student who makes extra money by writing essays for her classmates. Ellie, who feels isolated and disconnected from those around her, is struggling to understand her own identity, particularly in her complex relationship with her father, who is still mourning the loss of her mother. When a charming, yet awkward, jock named Paul Munsky (Daniel Diemer) asks Ellie to help him win the heart of the girl he has a crush on, Aster Flores (Alexxis Lemire), Ellie reluctantly agrees, not knowing that this request will set off a series of unexpected emotions and revelations about love, desire, and personal growth.

The story begins when Paul seeks out Ellie’s help to write love letters to Aster, a popular girl at school whom he has fallen for. Ellie, initially skeptical of Paul's intentions and motives, reluctantly agrees to assist him in his romantic pursuit. However, as Ellie begins to write the letters on Paul's behalf, she discovers that she, too, has developed feelings for Aster, a realization that complicates her already tumultuous sense of self and identity. Ellie is caught in a delicate web of emotions, torn between helping Paul find love with Aster and confronting her own feelings of longing and yearning. What ensues is an emotional journey of self-discovery as Ellie navigates the nuances of love, friendship, and vulnerability, all while trying to reconcile her own desires with the expectations and pressures placed upon her by her community and family. As Ellie continues to aid Paul in his attempts to win Aster’s affection, the film delves deeper into the complexities of identity and the sometimes painful realities of love. Ellie is not only grappling with her own unspoken feelings for Aster, but she also begins to question the roles she has been playing in her life, both for others and for herself. Her quiet, academic nature contrasts with the larger-than-life personalities around her, including Paul and Aster, and she must come to terms with how she fits into the larger narrative of her own life. Through her connection with both Paul and Aster, Ellie learns about the importance of expressing her true self and the value of forming genuine, authentic relationships. While her initial desire to help Paul win Aster’s heart begins as an act of duty, it slowly transforms into a journey of personal growth as Ellie starts to embrace her own identity, learning that love isn’t just about winning someone else’s affection, but also about understanding and loving oneself.

In the end, The Half of It offers a refreshingly modern and nuanced perspective on love and friendship. It beautifully illustrates how love can be both complicated and transformative, with its ups and downs, joys and heartaches. Through Ellie’s journey, the film explores themes of unrequited love, the complexity of sexual identity, and the importance of communication and honesty in relationships. The film’s resolution is both bittersweet and hopeful, with Ellie finding the strength to accept her feelings and make a decision about what is best for her future. The performances, particularly by Leah Lewis, are understated yet powerful, capturing the vulnerability and depth of Ellie’s character. The film also stands out for its sensitive and authentic portrayal of LGBTQ+ experiences, particularly through Ellie’s subtle journey of self-realization. The Half of It is a beautifully crafted, heartwarming, and thought-provoking film about love, identity, and the power of personal transformation.