Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Touching, smart teen story deals with sexuality; drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Half of It
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 12 parent reviews
Based on 39 kid reviews
Kids say this film showcases beautiful cinematography and offers a heartfelt exploration of love, identity, and friendship, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. Many viewers appreciate its relatable characters, emotional depth, and positive messages, while some believe the initial pacing is slow; however, most agree it becomes engaging and worthwhile as the story unfolds.
- emotional depth
- queer representation
- beautiful cinematography
- relatable characters
- positive messages
- engaging storyline
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis) is bright, perceptive, and pretty much on her own in THE HALF OF IT. Her small-town high school has its share of jocks, cool kids, nerds, and artsy types, but Ellie doesn't hang with any group. She feels isolated and responsible for her dad. A widowed Chinese immigrant with a Ph.D., Dr. Chu (Collin Chou) struggles to move on after his wife's death and is barely earning a living as a train switch operator. To earn extra money, Ellie secretly writes school papers for other kids. Enter Paul Munsky (Daniel Diemer). "Munsky" is aware of Ellie's writing enterprise and approaches her: He'll give her $50 if Ellie will write one letter in his name to Aster Flores (Alexxis Lemire), the popular girl he's in love with from afar. Reluctantly, Ellie agrees. What makes the prospect so hard, however, is that though she's never acknowledged it to others, Ellie is definitely attracted to Aster, too. Complications ensue and what begins as a one-time, money-making proposition becomes a poignant and funny adventure in growing up for Ellie, Paul, and Aster.
Is It Any Good?
Exploring friendship, love, and sexuality, as well as the hardships of feeling ostracized as a Chinese immigrant family living in a small, predominantly White community. This film is executed with integrity and heart and star Lewis never misses a beat. Her sincerity, comic timing, and seeming effortlessness in bringing Ellie Chu to life are a joy to watch. She's supported by an excellent cast. Writer-director Alice Wu has guided The Half of It players with a delicate touch. The movie is both laugh-out-loud funny and insightful. The few missteps -- an awkward climax in church that's not in keeping with the authenticity of the rest of the film and some geographically "convenient" moments -- don't detract from the impact of the movie's inherent glow. In the ever expanding list of Netflix romcoms for teens, this one rises to the top. Highly recommended.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Half of It portrays teen drinking. Were you surprised that Ellie joined in? What were the consequences of her behavior? Why is it a good idea for families with older kids and teens to discuss drinking and substance abuse in movies?
Labels are never used in describing the teen characters' relationships and attractions. How does this reflect a positive relationship with gender and sexuality? Can you think of ways in which labels might be helpful as young adults start to navigate love and romance?
The movie asks, "If love isn't the effort you put in, then what is it?" What do you think this means? Give some examples from your experience that might confirm the notion.
How did the small-town Washington State setting contribute to the story? In what ways did it define the characters and their expectations? What made the movie very "Northwest" in its look and feel?
Why are movies and books based on Cyrano de Bergerac so popular? Can you think of some other examples?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : May 1, 2020
- Cast : Leah Lewis , Daniel Diemer , Alexxis Lemire
- Director : Alice Wu
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Lesbian Movie Director(s) , Asian Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Empathy , Perseverance
- Run time : 104 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : brief language and teen drinking
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
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