The Half of It

Movie Trailer

Release Date
May 1, 2020

Genre
Coming-of-Age, Drama, Romance

Cast & Crew

• Leah Lewis as Ellie Chu
• Daniel Diemer as Paul Munsky
• Alexxis Lemire as Aster Flores
• Collin Chou as Edwin Chu
• Enrique Murciano as Deacon Flores
• Wolfgang Novogratz as Trig Carson

Director
Alice Wu

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Saving Face (2004)

Producer

• Anthony Bregman
• M. Blair Breard
• Alice Wu

Writer

• Alice Wu

Budget
Estimated $3 million

Production Company

• Likely Story
• Netflix

Running Time
104 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Mild language
• Themes of identity and love
• Teenage romance

Movie Story
“The Half of It” is a modern coming-of-age story that takes a fresh look at love, friendship, and the search for identity. The film centers around Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis), a shy and intelligent high school student living in the small town of Squahamish. Ellie, an introverted and academically gifted teenager, makes extra money by writing essays for her classmates. Her quiet life takes an unexpected turn when Paul Munsky (Daniel Diemer), a sweet but inarticulate jock, asks her to write a love letter to Aster Flores (Alexxis Lemire), the girl of his dreams.

Ellie agrees to help Paul, but as she crafts the letters, she finds herself developing feelings for Aster, who is unaware that the words she’s falling in love with are not Paul’s, but Ellie’s. The story unfolds as a complex love triangle, where each character is grappling with their own desires and insecurities. Ellie’s journey is not just about her feelings for Aster but also about her relationship with her father, her cultural identity, and her struggle to find her voice.

As Ellie and Paul’s friendship deepens, “The Half of It” explores the nature of love and connection, questioning whether we are truly able to understand others or if we are simply projecting our own desires onto them. The film delicately balances humor, emotion, and introspection, offering a heartfelt narrative that resonates with anyone who has ever felt out of place or unsure of their own identity.

Special Effects
“The Half of It” is a character-driven film that focuses on the emotional depth of its story rather than on special effects. The cinematography captures the small-town charm of Squahamish, using natural lighting and simple yet effective framing to highlight the characters’ emotional states and the film’s intimate tone.

Box Office Performance
As a Netflix original film, “The Half of It” did not have a traditional box office release. However, it was well-received by critics and audiences alike, praised for its thoughtful exploration of love and identity. The film quickly gained a following on the streaming platform, becoming a standout title for Netflix in 2020.

Filming Locations

• Upstate New York, USA

Notable Quotes

• “This is not a love story. Or not one where anyone gets what they want.” – Ellie Chu
• “Love isn’t patient, love isn’t kind, love is messy, and horrible, and selfish, and… bold.” – Ellie Chu
• “You probably think it’s all planned, that we’re all waiting for our soul mate. But no, everyone is lost, trying to find their way.” – Ellie Chu

Behind-the-Scenes
“The Half of It” marks Alice Wu’s return to filmmaking after a 15-year hiatus following her debut feature, Saving Face. The film draws from Wu’s own experiences and explores themes of identity and self-acceptance. Wu chose Leah Lewis for the role of Ellie after an extensive search, impressed by Lewis’s ability to convey both vulnerability and strength.

Awards

• Won Best Narrative Feature at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival

Final Verdict
“The Half of It” is a beautifully crafted film that offers a fresh take on the traditional love story. With its nuanced characters, sharp writing, and heartfelt performances, it stands out as a poignant exploration of love, identity, and the complexities of human connection. Alice Wu’s direction brings a sensitive and insightful perspective to the coming-of-age genre, making “The Half of It” a must-watch for fans of thoughtful and emotionally resonant cinema.

IMDb Rating
6.9/10