It took me a while to get around to watching this film - I just hadn't found myself in the mood to watch a teen dramedy. However, after reading a Twitter post about the writer and director, Alice Wu, I decided to finally give it a go, and I am very glad that I did.
The Half of It follows introvert Ellie as she helps Paul, a jock from her school, by ghost writing love letters for him to the most popular girl in school, Aster. The twist is, however, that Ellie herself is also romantically interested in Aster, which sets up for a rollercoaster of a coming of age movie.
Alongside the laugh out loud development of Ellie and Pauls friendship, the romantic scenes, and the heart breaking reality of lying to a friend, this film explores some really complex themes surrounding small town mentality, sexuality and religious pressure, academic pressure and planning for the future, and the hardships, stereotyping, and racism faced when immigrating into a small town.
I really really loved this film, and I felt that it very effectively explored many aspects in a way which would be understandable for younger audiences whilst still appealing to an older audience. I found
The Half of It to be a truly beautiful and moving film, offering a realistic representation of relationships and sexuality whilst also bringing across the meaningful message that it's important to take a gradual journey to find yourself and speak your truth.
Not only does this film have important themes and a good message, it is generally wonderfully written and visually enticing - there were so many beautiful aspects, from framing, colours, costumes, lighting and setting, and I found myself mentally taking note every time I saw something which I found pleasing to the eye.
The Half of It is a film which I wish had been around when I was younger and I would definitely recommend it, although I will warn you now, you may find yourself switch from laughter to tears throughout.
~Paige Nicole
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