“The Half of It” directed by Alice Wu is a Netflix Original released in the spring of 2020. The premise of the film seems to be a mundane coming-of-age story. However, that is not even the half of it—pun intended.
Alice Wu writes and directs this heart-warming coming-of-age story that follows an introverted yet cash-strapped high school senior named Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis). Ellie is notoriously known for running a side business where she ghostwrites for students for a profit. Upon knowing about this side-hustle, Paul a goofy but kind-hearted football player (Daniel Diemer) enlists the help of Ellie to help write love letters to the beautiful and popular Aster Flores (Alexxis Lemire). Unbeknownst to Ellie and Paul, her secret affection for Aster begins to blossom to the surface as she poses as Paul.
On the surface, the film may seem just like another teen coming-of-age movie that will eventually disappear within the genre. A movie where a not-so articulate jock enlists the help of a nerdy shy girl to help impress a popular girl—we have all seen this movie play out before. However, what Wu is able to do is craft a story that is, as the tagline goes, not a typical love story. The film shows a journey of self-acceptance and the various forms of love that can tend to be sidelined in the teen movie genre.
The standout aspect of the film is the refreshing take on the love-triangle trope. In this story, the love-triangle is practically on the bench as the movie focuses more on Ellie and Paul’s relationship. Even though their relationship was purely platonic and transactional, the pair end up becoming good friends as they open up about their past. They begin to grow closer—even with Ellie’s aloof personality—and share aspects of their lives that help them understand each other.
Their friendship also sparks Ellie and Paul to learn that love does not just have one definition. As Ellie puts it, “love isn’t patient, and kind, and humble. Love is messy, and horrible, and selfish, and bold. It’s not finding your perfect half. It’s the trying, and reaching, and failing.” This quote encompasses how Ellie learns that love is not something as terrible as she thought it was. Love can be found in the most unlikely of situations, which can be seen in her friendship with Paul.
Ellie and Paul’s friendship was a beautiful focal point of the film and brought the heart to the story. Paul’s acceptance of who Ellie is and loving all of her was truly moving and definitely riveting as his proclamation of love towards her happened in a church of all places. Without giving too much away about this heartening scene—let’s just say an Easter church service becomes a confession stand for various of the lead characters.
Aside from the friendship-love-story aspect of the film, Wu also creates an enjoyable film. Wu deals with serious issues, in a fun-comedic way that it does not feel like it is being shoved down your throat. Rather, it feels as if you are watching real people deal with real problems in a real way. Wu talks about integration, sexual identity, friendship, and still produces a fun-loving film that anyone can enjoy.
“The Half of It” is laced with touching moments that are subtle, but definitely pack a punch. It never feels like Wu is dragging the audience through the story, rather growing alongside the characters in a natural way. And that is the beauty in the film.
The Beat @APU 