This movie is like an old book by your favourite author, and you know you will love it right from the onset. The opening title’s animation montage about Love and the other half is such a pleasant way to kickstart a soothingly beautiful tale. This is my second watch and it still seems fresh and endearing to me.
“The Half of It” is a captivating and heartfelt coming-of-age film that beautifully captures the complexities of teenage life, friendship, and self-discovery. Directed by Alice Wu, this indie gem on Netflix explores themes of identity, love, and the courage to be true to oneself in a refreshingly genuine and nuanced manner.
I’ve watched a few teen dramas or movies and some of them make you instantly feel attached to the characters, the honesty in the writing and probably the reliability in which some of them are written makes it even more likeable. Alice Wu’s writing has charm and beauty to it in addition to the aesthetically pleasing visuals.
The story revolves around Ellie Chu (played brilliantly by Leah Lewis), a shy and introverted high school student in the small fictional town of Squahamish. Known for her intellect, Ellie earns money by writing essays for her classmates. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she is approached by Paul (Daniel Diemer), a sweet but socially awkward jock, to help him write love letters to Aster (Alexxis Lemire), a girl they both have feelings for.
The beauty of the movie is in the 3 characters (Ellie, Paul and Aster) longing for love in their distinct ways and the juxtaposition of all three going through similar emotions at the same time.
The perception of love is different among teens and equally diverse among adults as well. For one person, it might be to liberate themselves from the clutches of all the pre-conceived notions, for another, it is to continue to put in the efforts until it pays off while the third one is a distant observer but never an enforcer who would rather keep their love to themselves than to proclaim it.
“Love is messy” — Ellie Chu
What sets “The Half of It” apart is its ability to subvert expectations. While it initially appears to be a typical teenage rom-com, the film delves deeper into the complexities of love and friendship. It skillfully avoids falling into clichés, presenting a story that is both honest and sincere. The characters are multi-dimensional, and their emotions are palpable, allowing the audience to genuinely connect with their struggles and aspirations.
Leah Lewis delivers a remarkable performance as Ellie, portraying her character’s intelligence, vulnerability, and inner conflicts with subtlety and depth. She brings a relatable authenticity to the role, capturing the essence of a young woman searching for her place in the world. Daniel Diemer’s portrayal of Paul is equally endearing, providing both comedic relief and emotional depth as a lovable and kind-hearted friend. Alexxis Lemire is strikingly beautiful, and subtle and delivers the performance of the girl on whom everybody’s crushing in the school but nobody can understand what she wants.
The film’s exploration of themes such as self-acceptance, cultural identity, and the complexities of love is both poignant and thought-provoking. It beautifully captures the nuances of small-town life, while also delving into the challenges faced by individuals who don’t conform to societal norms. Through its genuine and tender storytelling, the story reminds us of the importance of embracing our true selves and the power of friendship in navigating life’s uncertainties.
Alice Wu’s direction is masterful, showcasing her ability to create intimate and emotionally resonant moments. The cinematography captures the picturesque beauty of Squahamish, complementing the film’s overall atmosphere. The screenplay is rich in wit, humour, and poignant observations, further elevating the film’s impact.
The movie’s triumph is in the storytelling, offering a fresh and heartfelt take on the coming-of-age genre. It reminds us that love and connection can transcend societal barriers, and that true friendship has the power to transform us.
Overall, the movie is captivating and will leave you with a warm heart and a renewed appreciation for the complexities of love, friendship, and self-discovery. It is a poignant reminder that true beauty lies not only in embracing our own unique identities but also in the connections we forge along the way.
Until next time…
Arrivederci!
