The Half of It

A shy, highly intelligent teenager named Ellie Chu makes a living by writing essays and tests for her classmates in the small town of Squahamish. When the popular but inarticulate Paul Munsky asks her to help him write love letters to Aster Flores, a thoughtful and artistic girl he admires, Ellie agrees. As Ellie crafts eloquent and heartfelt letters, she begins to develop her own feelings for Aster, leading to a complex web of friendship, romance, and self-discovery.

The Half of It received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its heartfelt storytelling, nuanced exploration of love and identity, and strong performances. Reviewers praised Alice Wu's sensitive direction and poignant script, highlighting its unique perspective on teenage relationships and the challenges of communication. The film resonated with audiences for its intelligence, humor, and emotional depth.

• Praised for its intelligent and heartfelt exploration of teenage love and friendship.

• Lauded for Alice Wu's witty and poignant screenplay and sensitive direction.

• Commended for strong performances, particularly from Leah Lewis as Ellie.

Google audience: Audiences loved the film's smart and sensitive approach to teen romance, appreciating its unique characters and emotional resonance. Many viewers found the story refreshing and relatable, particularly its focus on communication and understanding.

Won the Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Director Alice Wu drew inspiration from her own experiences with unrequited love and writing letters for others during her high school years.