IMDb 6.9 2020 HD

The Half of It

The Half of It

2020
Comedy Drama Romance
104 min PG-13 USA
7.09 / 10
6.9 IMDB

Shy, straight-A student Ellie is hired by sweet but inarticulate jock Paul, who needs help wooing the most popular girl in school. But their new and unlikely friendship…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Alice Wu / Sam Evoy / Adam Escott / Nick Vanderpool
Starring
Leah Lewis / Daniel Diemer / Alexxis Lemire / Enrique Murciano / Wolfgang Novogratz / Catherine Curtin / Becky Ann Baker / Collin Chou

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

heartfelt thoughtful charming sensitive relatable poignant earnest introspective sweet nuanced genuine touching

Reviews

B
Beatrice Croft
Apr 3, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

This is a film that sneaks up on you. 'The Half of It' presents a high school scenario that feels familiar on the surface, but director Alice Wu imbues it with such profound empathy and intelligence that it…

J
Julian Holloway
Apr 3, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

Alice Wu’s 'The Half of It' is a delightful surprise, a film that manages to be both charmingly earnest and surprisingly insightful. The performances are key here, with Leah Lewis anchoring the film with a performance that is…

S
Sophia Chen
Apr 3, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

'The Half of It' offers a charming, if sometimes predictable, exploration of teenage identity and burgeoning romance. The central conceit, where a gifted student mediates a courtship for a jock, provides fertile ground for exploring unrequited desires and…

M
Marcus Bellweather
Apr 3, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

In 'The Half of It', we're presented with a refreshing take on the classic high school narrative. The premise, involving a shy academic hired by a jock to woo the popular girl, quickly twists into something far more…

E
Eleanor Vance
Apr 3, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

Alice Wu's 'The Half of It' is a tender, intelligent coming-of-age story that transcends typical teen fare. Leah Lewis delivers a nuanced performance as Ellie, a bright but socially awkward student who finds herself orchestrating romance for a…

FAQs

Absolutely. 'The Half of It' distinguishes itself by centring a queer female protagonist and exploring her journey through a unique, epistolary-like narrative that unfolds through written correspondence. It moves beyond conventional high school tropes to offer a more nuanced and emotionally resonant portrayal of connection and self-acceptance.