The pieces may seem familiar in “The Half of It,” but the way Alice Wu assembles them results in a fresh and inspired whole.
The writer/director’s queer take on “Cyrano de Bergerac” features several of the kinds of characters we so often see in Young Adult films and novels: hyper-verbal teenagers given to expressing their anxieties and longings through witty, self-aware narration.
It takes place in the sort of small town that may seem quaint to the outside viewer but feels like a prison to the restless kids trapped within it. And the fundamental premise—that teens on disparate rungs of the high-school social hierarchy can forge secret yet life-changing bonds—is perennial.
The more meaty and moving relationship actually occurs between Ellie and Paul themselves. He initially comes off as a doofus but he’s genuine, loyal and has a heart of gold, and he unexpectedly becomes the first real friend Ellie’s ever had.
Diemer brings a puppy-doggish authenticity and likability to the role that are quite charming. Conversely, Ellie inspires Paul to dig within himself and learn how to make more meaningful connections than he’s grown accustomed to with his idiot football buddies—their practice conversations over table tennis serve as a sweet training montage—and in the process, she learns to open up and trust people.
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Release Date: May 1, 2020
Stars: Leah Lewis, Enrique Murciano, Becky Ann Baker
Source: The.Half.of.It.2020.iNTERNAL.1080p.WEB.x264-SECRECY
Language: English
Subtitle Language: English
IMDB:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9683478/⇒ The Half of It (184 MB) MP4
⇒ The Half of It (101 kb) Subtitled
