Name: The Half of It
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Drama
Released: 2020-05-01T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Leah Lewis, Daniel Diemer, Alexxis Lemire, Enrique Murciano, Wolfgang Novogratz

Ellie Chu’s quiet desperation as she watches from her bedroom window, powerless to stop Aster Flores from kissing Paul Munsky, is the emotional crux of The Half of It. Directed by Alice Wu, this Netflix film attempts a modern queer twist on Cyrano de Bergerac, but stumbles in execution.

Wu’s adaptation follows Ellie (Leah Lewis), a brilliant but lonely Chinese-American student who agrees to help jock Paul (Daniel Diemer) woo Aster (Alexxis Lemire), the girl they both secretly love. The film’s strength lies in its grounded portrayal of small-town life and the quiet moments between characters. Wu’s direction excels in capturing the subtle dynamics of Ellie and Paul’s unlikely friendship, with Lewis delivering a nuanced performance that anchors the film. Diemer also shines as Paul, bringing warmth and authenticity to his character.

The film’s originality lies in its exploration of regional queerness and the complexities of identity. Wu skillfully weaves themes of loneliness, acceptance, and self-discovery into the narrative, creating a story that feels both personal and universal. The heavy use of texting on phones, however, often makes the film feel detached and empty, as noted by some Reddit users.

Despite its strengths, The Half of It falters in its pacing and execution of the love triangle. The film’s humorless tone and achingly slow pacing, as criticized by some viewers, do little to engage the audience. The heavy reliance on texting as a means of communication often feels gimmicky and fails to convey the emotional depth intended.

The film’s ending, while emotionally charged, feels rushed and unsatisfying. Ellie’s decision to send the app after witnessing Aster and Paul’s kiss lacks the build-up and resolution needed for a compelling conclusion. The heavy-handed use of religious themes also detracts from the film’s otherwise subtle exploration of identity and acceptance.

The Half of It is a commendable attempt at a modern queer retelling, but its slow pacing, detached storytelling, and rushed ending prevent it from fully realizing its potential.