The Half of It
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to The Half of It
The Half of It is a 2020 American coming-of-age comedy-drama, written and directed by Alice Wu, that offers a fresh take on the classic Cyrano de Bergerac story. Set in the remote, conservative town of Squahamish, Washington, the narrative follows Ellie Chu, an intelligent but socially awkward Chinese-American high school student who secretly ghostwrites essays for her peers to earn extra money. Her quiet life takes an unexpected turn when Paul Munsky, a kind-hearted but inarticulate jock, enlists her help to write love letters to Aster Flores, the popular and artistic girl they both secretly admire. The movie beautifully explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and different forms of love. As Ellie crafts eloquent letters for Paul, she finds herself developing strong feelings for Aster, creating a complex love triangle that defies traditional romantic tropes. The target audience for this film is primarily young adults and teenagers who appreciate nuanced storytelling and character-driven narratives, particularly those interested in explorations of identity. Overall, the film presents a thoughtful and heartfelt story that encourages introspection about identity and connection in a small-town setting. It is generally appropriate for mature teenagers, appealing to those who enjoy romantic dramas with a strong emphasis on personal growth and the evolving nature of relationships, both platonic and romantic.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The film features a central lesbian protagonist, Ellie Chu, who develops romantic feelings for Aster Flores. The director, Alice Wu, an openly gay Asian American woman, intentionally explores queer representation and the normalization of same-sex attraction within a coming-of-age narrative. The film depicts Ellie's journey of self-acceptance, culminating in a kiss with Aster.
Ellie Chu, the film's protagonist, harbors strong romantic feelings for Aster Flores, the girl Paul Munsky enlists Ellie to write love letters to. This unrequited love forms the core emotional conflict for Ellie. Paul Munsky initially reacts to Ellie's sexuality by stating she is a 'sinner' and will 'go to hell,' reflecting religiously conservative views. However, he later educates himself and accepts Ellie's identity. The film concludes with Aster admitting she also had feelings for Ellie, and the two share a kiss before Ellie departs for college, signaling a potential future relationship.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Recommended for ages 14 and older due to significant LGBTQ+ themes, instances of underage drinking, mild profanity, and nuanced discussions around faith and sexuality that may require parental guidance.
Good to Know
The film is a standalone story with no sequels or adaptations noted in the research to date, so concerns do not evolve across installments. The narrative emphasizes the development of meaningful friendships and self-discovery over traditional romantic endings.
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