The Half Of It

About The Half Of It

Explore:

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music
• Soundtrack

About

The Half Of It is a comedy film released in 2020. It is written and directed by Alice Wu. The movie follows the story of Ellie Chu, a shy and introverted high school student who helps a jock, Paul Munsky, write love letters to Aster Flores, the girl they both have a crush on. However, Ellie finds herself developing feelings for Aster as they continue to exchange letters.

The movie explores themes such as self-discovery, friendship, and the complexities of love. It offers a fresh take on the traditional romantic comedy genre, with its focus on diverse characters and LGBTQ+ representation.

Making / Production

The Half Of It was produced by Netflix and was initially released on the streaming platform. Alice Wu, the writer and director of the film, drew inspiration from her own experiences growing up as an Asian-American queer woman. She wanted to create a coming-of-age story that felt authentic and relatable to a wide audience.

Wu's script for The Half Of It was included in the 2018 Black List, an annual list of the best unproduced screenplays in Hollywood. This recognition helped secure funding for the film and attract talented actors to the project.

Actors

• Leah Lewis as Ellie Chu - Leah Lewis delivers a standout performance as Ellie Chu, a smart and introspective teenager. She brings depth and vulnerability to the role, effectively portraying Ellie's journey of self-discovery and navigating her feelings for Aster.
• Daniel Diemer as Paul Munsky - Daniel Diemer plays the lovable jock, Paul Munsky. His portrayal brings equal parts charm and awkwardness to the character, making him endearing to the audience.
• Alexxis Lemire as Aster Flores - Alexxis Lemire provides a nuanced performance as Aster Flores, the object of both Ellie and Paul's affection. Her portrayal showcases Aster's complexity and inner conflicts.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The Half Of It is a modern reimagining of the classic play "Cyrano de Bergerac" by Edmond Rostand.
• Alice Wu has stated that she intentionally left the ending of the film somewhat ambiguous, allowing viewers to interpret it in their own way.
• The film received critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of teenage experiences and its exploration of diverse identities.
• Leah Lewis, who plays Ellie Chu, is also a talented singer and songwriter. She contributed a song to the film's soundtrack.

Awards

The Half Of It received several awards and nominations, including:

• Best Narrative Feature at the Tribeca Film Festival
• Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature at the El Gouna Film Festival
• GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Film - Limited Release

Quotes

• "Love is messy. It's illogical. It is a catastrophe." - Ellie Chu
• "You ever wonder what your life would be like if you just had a little bit of confidence?" - Paul Munsky
• "Maybe courage is just as simple as taking a second step, even if the first one doesn't matter." - Ellie Chu

Music

The Half Of It features a mix of licensed songs and original music composed by Anton Sanko. The music contributes to the film's emotional moments and enhances the storytelling.

Soundtrack

• "Running Up That Hill" by Kate Bush
• "Sea of Love" by Cat Power
• "JOGA" by Björk
• "The Limit to Your Love" by Feist