Review: The Half of It

What happens when a dorky jock enlists the help of the schools brainy outcast to win over the object of his affection? A love triangle, that’s what! But, there’s a twist to this classic romantic comedy scenario.

Set in a small town called Squahamish, we meet Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis), a Chinese-American teenager. Within the first few minutes, we see Ellie’s daily struggles from bullying to trying to help her father make ends meet.

Ellie is a shy band geek who sells essays to make a few extra bucks. And that’s where Paul Munsky (Daniel Diemer) comes in. Paul is in love with Aster Flores (Alexxis Lemire) and hires Ellie to write a love note. Strapped for cash, Ellie begrudgingly agrees. 

As the two set out to learn more about Aster, to personalize the letters, a friendship forms between them. The two grow adorably close as they both start falling in love. Here’s where the twist comes in. 

Paul falls for Ellie, Ellie falls for Aster, and Aster is oblivious to what’s going on.

The one thing I truly loved about this movie is it didn’t go for the obvious. In most teen flicks, if a nerdy girl becomes friends with the jock, there’s a makeover moment where she takes off her glasses and lets her hair down. As a result, the jock falls in love with her. This does not happen in this movie. In contrast, Paul falls for who Ellie is as a person.

Also, while watching movies with this scenario, I wonder how the two girls didn’t end up together. I mean, they fell in love through the letters, right? Everything said was between the two of them. And yet, somehow, the guy gets the girl in the end.

This film takes cliches and throws them out of the window, and I appreciate that. Because just when you think you know what’s going to happen next, you don’t know the half of it. It’s beautifully written and adorably charming. Leah Lewis captivates you with her innocence and sarcasm, and you’ll fall in love with Daniel Diemer’s adorkable portrayal of Paul.

Above all, The Half of It is about friendship, love, sexuality, and finding yourself. And while other love stories may play up the angst, The Half of It will fill you with a whole lot of joy through humor and heart, leaving a smile on your face.

Stream The Half Of It May 1st on Netflix.