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.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
HighThe 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.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe movie includes significant romantic themes, focusing on unrequited love, first crushes, and implied romantic relationships. There are instances of kissing between heterosexual and same-sex couples, and a scene of two female characters swimming together in a hot pool with bare shoulders shown, but no explicit sexual activity or nudity is depicted.
Paul and Aster share a kiss during their courtship, indicative of their budding heterosexual romance. Ellie and Aster share a kiss at the film's conclusion, an expression of their mutual, albeit deferred, romantic feelings. Ellie and Aster are seen taking off most of their clothes to swim together in a hot pool, where their bare shoulders are visible, though no explicit nudity or sexual contact occurs.
Profanity
MediumThe film features a limited number of mild to moderate curse words, including infrequent uses of 's-word,' 'hell,' and 'damn,' as well as some name-calling.
There is one instance of the 's-word' and two uses each of 'hell' and 'damn' within the dialogue. A character is referred to as 'bad a--' in one scene.
Substance Use
MediumThe movie includes scenes where underage characters consume alcohol at a party, with the protagonist becoming intoxicated. This is explicitly noted in the film's age rating.
Ellie and Paul attend a high school party where other teenagers are shown drinking alcohol. Ellie participates in a drinking game, 'Drinkers of Catan,' and subsequently becomes 'fairly drunk.'
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumCharacters display mild to moderate disrespect and engage in rebellious acts, primarily through academic dishonesty and subtle defiance of societal or parental expectations in a conservative small town setting.
Ellie Chu routinely ghostwrites essays for her fellow students for payment, an act of academic dishonesty and rebellion against school rules. Aster Flores expresses subtle defiance against her strict pastor father's traditional expectations for her life and future.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumThe film is set in a religious small town with church services and a pastor character. While featuring Christian elements, it also presents a protagonist who expresses non-belief in God and includes dialogue that challenges traditional religious perspectives on love and sexuality, particularly through Paul's initial judgment of Ellie's identity.
Paul Munsky initially tells Ellie that she is a 'sinner and will go to hell' upon realizing her lesbian feelings for Aster, reflecting a judgmental religious stance that the narrative later shows him evolving past. Ellie Chu states she does not believe in God when asked by Aster, with Aster remarking, 'That must be nice,' and Ellie replying, 'It's not. It's lonely,' subtly questioning the comfort and implications of faith.
Violence
LowThe film contains minimal physical violence, limited to a single non-injurious slap and typical contact within a high school football game.
Aster slaps Paul across the face in a moment of anger and realization after uncovering the deception about the love letters. A high school football game features typical tackling as part of the sport.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThe film does not contain any depictions of witchcraft, magic rituals, demons, or overt supernatural elements. There are brief, philosophical references to Greek Gods, which are presented as literary or cultural allusions rather than active occult practices.
Pagan elements, specifically mentions of Greek Gods, appear as philosophical or literary references. The narrative remains grounded in realistic high school experiences, devoid of any active supernatural or occult plot points.
Scary & Intense Content
LowThe film is a drama and does not feature any horror elements, graphic violence, jump scares, or overtly frightening imagery. Any intensity arises from emotional conflicts and character struggles rather than suspense or terror.
Emotional intensity arises from Paul's initial hurtful reaction to Ellie's sexuality, leading to a period of tension in their friendship. Aster's public humiliation and subsequent physical reaction (slapping Paul) create a moment of emotional confrontation, but not frightening content.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
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.
Additional Notes
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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