The Half Of It, a Netflix original film, was released in May 2020 and quickly became a fan favorite. The movie follows the story of Ellie Chu, a shy and introverted high school student who agrees to write love letters for jock Paul Munsky to Aster Flores, the girl Ellie herself has a crush on. The film received critical acclaim for its unique take on the coming-of-age genre and its exploration of themes like identity, friendship, and love.
The Half Of It features a talented cast, including Leah Lewis as Ellie Chu, Daniel Diemer as Paul Munsky, and Alexxis Lemire as Aster Flores. Each actor brings a unique energy and charisma to their respective roles, making the characters feel authentic and relatable. The film was directed by Alice Wu, who was praised for her vision and storytelling skills.
Now, more than a year after its release, fans are wondering where the cast and crew of The Half Of It are now. Have they taken on new projects? Have they won any awards? Will there be a sequel? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what the cast and crew of The Half Of It have been up to since the film’s release.
Key Takeaways
- The Half Of It is a critically acclaimed Netflix original film that explores themes like identity, friendship, and love.
- The film features a talented cast, including Leah Lewis, Daniel Diemer, and Alexxis Lemire, and was directed by Alice Wu.
- Fans are curious about where the cast and crew of The Half Of It are now, and whether there will be a sequel.
The Half Of It – Overview
The Half of It is a 2020 Netflix original film that blends romantic comedy with coming-of-age drama. Alice Wu, the director of the acclaimed romantic drama “Saving Face,” wrote and directed the film “The Half of It.” The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and Netflix released it on May 1, 2020.
The film follows Ellie Chu, a shy and intelligent high school student who lives with her father in a small town in Washington. Ellie’s life takes a turn when Paul Munsky, a sweet but dim-witted jock, approaches her. He wants her to write a love letter to his crush, Aster Flores, as Ellie makes extra cash by writing essays for her classmates. Ellie agrees to help Paul, but as she gets to know Aster, she begins to develop feelings for her.
The Half of It is a unique take on the romantic comedy genre. It explores themes of identity, friendship, and love through the lens of a queer Asian-American teenager.
The film is notable for its diverse cast and crew. It includes actors Leah Lewis, Daniel Diemer, and Alexxis Lemire, who play Ellie, Paul, and Aster, respectively. The film is also available in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.
Overall, The Half of It is a heartfelt and charming film that offers a fresh perspective on the romantic comedy genre. It is a must-watch for fans of coming-of-age stories and anyone looking for a feel-good film with a positive message.
Cast and Characters
Leah Lewis
Leah Lewis stars as Ellie Chu, a shy and studious high school student who agrees to help Paul write love letters to Aster. Lewis delivers a standout performance as Ellie, bringing depth and nuance to the character’s struggles with identity and sexuality.
Daniel Diemer
Daniel Diemer plays Paul Munsky, a lovable but clueless jock who enlists Ellie’s help in wooing Aster. Diemer’s natural charm and comedic timing make Paul an endearing and memorable character.
Alexxis Lemire
Alexxis Lemire portrays Aster Flores, the object of Paul’s affection and Ellie’s secret crush. Lemire delivers a nuanced performance, imbuing Aster with both vulnerability and strength.
Becky Ann Baker
Becky Ann Baker plays Mrs. Geselschap, Ellie’s English teacher and mentor. Baker brings warmth and humor to the role, serving as a source of guidance and support for Ellie.
Collin Chou
Collin Chou plays Edwin Chu, Ellie’s father and the owner of a local Chinese restaurant. Chou brings gravitas to the role, portraying Edwin as a stoic and hardworking immigrant who wants the best for his daughter.
Wolfgang Novogratz
Wolfgang Novogratz plays Trig Carson, Paul’s best friend and teammate. Novogratz brings a natural charisma to the role, making Trig a likable and memorable character.
Enrique Murciano
Enrique Murciano plays Deacon Flores, Aster’s father and the pastor of a local church. Murciano brings depth and complexity to the role, portraying Deacon as a conflicted and flawed character.
Macintyre Dixon
Macintyre Dixon plays Mr. Aster, the wealthy and eccentric benefactor of the local library. Dixon brings a sense of whimsy and humor to the role, making Mr. Aster a memorable and entertaining character.
Catherine Curtin
Catherine Curtin plays Colleen Munsky, Paul’s mother and a devout Christian. Curtin brings a sense of warmth and compassion to the role, portraying Colleen as a caring and supportive parent.
Overall, the cast of The Half of It delivers standout performances, bringing depth and nuance to their respective characters. From the charming and lovable Paul to the complex and conflicted Aster, each character feels fully realized and memorable.
Storyline and Themes
Romantic Elements
“The Half of It” is a romantic comedy-drama film that follows the story of a shy, introverted high school student named Ellie Chu. She writes essays for her classmates to earn some extra cash. One day, she is approached by a jock named Paul Munsky.
Paul wants Ellie to write a love letter to his crush, Aster Flores. However, Ellie is also secretly in love with Aster, and as she writes the letters, she begins to develop feelings for her too. The movie explores the complex nature of love, attraction, and relationships, and how they can be messy and confusing.
Friendship
Another central theme of the movie is friendship. Ellie and Paul develop an unlikely friendship as they work together to win over Aster’s heart. Their friendship is tested when Paul finds out about Ellie’s feelings for Aster. He struggles to come to terms with his own feelings for her.
The movie also explores the dynamics of friendship between Ellie and her father, who is a single parent struggling to connect with his daughter.
Coming of Age
“The Half of It” is also a coming-of-age story that explores the challenges and experiences of growing up. Ellie is a talented writer who dreams of attending an art school in a big city. However, her small conservative town confines her, subjecting her to frequent ridicule due to her Chinese heritage and sexuality. The movie also touches on themes of identity and self-discovery, as Ellie navigates her bisexuality and her place in the world.
Identity and Sexuality
Identity and sexuality are prominent themes in “The Half of It.” Ellie is a bisexual character who struggles to come to terms with her sexuality in a conservative town where she feels like an outsider. The movie explores the challenges of coming out. Also, the complexities of navigating relationships and attraction in a world that often doesn’t understand or accept queer identities.
Moreover, the movie touches on themes of religion and tradition, as Aster’s family is deeply religious and conservative, which creates tension in her relationship with Ellie.
Director’s Vision
Director Alice Wu’s vision for “The Half Of It” was to create a coming-of-age story that explores identity, friendship, and love in a unique and authentic way. Wu, who previously directed the critically acclaimed film “Saving Face” in 2004, wanted to tell a story that was both personal and universal.
As a queer Asian-American filmmaker, Wu brings a fresh perspective to the genre, and her experience shines through in the film’s portrayal of Ellie Chu, a Chinese-American high school student who is struggling to find her place in the world.
Wu has described “The Half Of It” as a “modern-day Cyrano de Bergerac,” with a twist. Instead of a man trying to win over a woman, it’s a teenage girl helping a boy write love letters to his crush, who happens to be another girl. The film explores themes of friendship, first love, and the complexities of identity in a way that feels both timely and timeless.
Wu’s approach to filmmaking is grounded in authenticity and honesty. She wanted to create a film that felt true to her own experiences, as well as to the experiences of the film’s characters. In an interview with Collider, Wu said, “I think what I’m interested in is telling stories that are personal, but also universal. And I think that’s what makes a good story.”
Awards and Accolades
Since its release on Netflix in May 2020, “The Half of It” has garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards.
At the Tribeca Film Festival, the film won the top award, the Founders Award for Best U.S. Narrative Feature. The film’s director, Alice Wu, was praised for her “unique and personal storytelling,” and the film was hailed as a “modern-day Cyrano story that is charming, funny, and deeply felt.”
In addition to its success at Tribeca, “The Half of It” has also been recognized by other prestigious film festivals. It won the Best Narrative Feature award at the Seattle International Film Festival and the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature at the San Francisco International Film Festival.
The film has also received accolades from various critics’ groups and associations. The film received a nomination for Best First Screenplay at the Independent Spirit Awards, while Wu earned a nomination for Best Director at the Critics’ Choice Awards. Additionally, the National Board of Review recognized the film as one of the Top 10 Independent Films of 2020.
Where Are They Now
Since the release of “The Half Of It” on Netflix in May 2020, fans have been wondering what the cast members have been up to. Here’s a look at where the main cast members are now:
Leah Lewis – Post The Half Of It
Leah Lewis, who played the lead role of Ellie Chu, has been keeping busy since the release of “The Half Of It”. In 2021, she appeared in the TV series “Nancy Drew” and also starred in the film “The Fallout”, which premiered at the 2021 SXSW Film Festival. Additionally, Lewis has been involved in activism, speaking out against anti-Asian hate crimes and advocating for the AAPI community.
Daniel Diemer – Post The Half Of It
Daniel Diemer, who played the role of Paul Munsky, has also been busy since “The Half Of It”. In 2021, he appeared in the TV series “The Man in the High Castle” and also starred in the film “Moxie”, which premiered on Netflix. Additionally, Diemer has been involved in charity work, including a fundraiser for the Black Lives Matter movement.
Alexxis Lemire – Post The Half Of It
Alexxis Lemire, who played the role of Aster Flores, has been relatively quiet since “The Half Of It”. However, she did appear in the short film “The Last Bus” in 2020. Lemire has also been active on social media, sharing her love for fashion and her travels.
Other Cast Members – Post The Half Of It
Other cast members of “The Half Of It” have also been busy since the release of the film. Wolfgang Novogratz, who played the role of Trig Carson, appeared in the TV series “The Stand” in 2020. Catherine Curtin, who played the role of Mrs. Geselschap, appeared in the TV series “Stranger Things” in 2021. Becky Ann Baker, who played the role of Colleen Munsky, appeared in the film “Together Together” in 2021.
Overall, the cast members of “The Half Of It” have been keeping busy with various projects since the release of the film. It will be interesting to see what they do next and how their careers continue to develop.
Audience Reception and Ratings
The Half Of It has received generally positive reviews from both audiences and critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 95% based on 84 reviews, with an average rating of 7.9/10. The website’s critics consensus reads, “For viewers in search of an uncommonly smart, tender, and funny coming-of-age story, The Half of It has everything.” On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 74 out of 100, based on 21 critics, indicating “generally favorable reviews.”
The film’s PG-13 rating makes it accessible to a wide audience, including teenagers and young adults. The charming and quirky nature of the film, coupled with its heartfelt message, has resonated with viewers who appreciate a well-crafted coming-of-age story.
The Half of It has been praised for its representation of LGBTQ+ characters, particularly the portrayal of Ellie Chu, a Chinese-American lesbian. The film’s exploration of identity, friendship, and love has been lauded by critics and audiences alike.
Overall, viewers who value thoughtful and engaging films that explore complex themes with humor and heart have warmly received The Half of It.
| Entity | Relevance |
|---|---|
| TV Shows | The Half Of It |
| Maturity Rating | PG-13 |
| Charming | Yes |
| Quirky | Yes |
| Heartfelt | Yes |
Potential Sequel
While The Half of It has not yet been officially confirmed for a sequel, there is certainly potential for one. The film’s writer and director, Alice Wu, has expressed interest in continuing the story of Ellie, Paul, and Aster.
[Spoiler warning] The ending of the film leaves room for a potential sequel, as Ellie decides to stay in her hometown and pursue a relationship with Aster. Meanwhile, Paul leaves for college but promises to keep in touch with Ellie. The film’s themes of identity, friendship, and love could certainly be explored further in a second installment. [End spoiler warning]
It’s important to highlight that The Half of It has garnered positive reviews, and audiences have received it well. This could enhance the likelihood of the sequel being given the green light. However, it’s ultimately up to Netflix to decide whether or not to move forward with a second film.
If a sequel is confirmed, Leah Lewis, Daniel Diemer, and Alexxis Lemire, the original cast members, would likely return. Additionally, they might introduce new characters to further develop the story.
Overall, while a sequel to The Half of It has not been confirmed, there is certainly potential for one. Fans of the film will have to wait and see if Netflix decides to move forward with a second installment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the main cast members of The Half of It?
The Half of It is a Netflix original movie directed by Alice Wu. The main cast members of the movie are Leah Lewis as Ellie Chu, Daniel Diemer as Paul Munsky, and Alexxis Lemire as Aster Flores.
What are some similar movies to The Half of It?
If you enjoyed The Half of It, you might also like movies such as To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, Love, Simon, and The Edge of Seventeen. These movies explore similar themes of teenage love and self-discovery.
Where can I watch the full movie of The Half of It online?
The Half of It is a Netflix original movie, so it can only be watched on Netflix. If you don’t have a Netflix subscription, you can sign up for one on their website.
When was The Half of It released on Netflix?
The Half of It was released on Netflix on May 1, 2020. It is available to stream on the platform in all regions where Netflix is available.
Is The Half of It based on a book or play?
No, The Half of It is an original screenplay written by Alice Wu. It is not based on any book or play.
Conclusion
The Half of It is a unique and refreshing take on the classic teen romantic comedy genre. The film explores themes of identity, friendship, and love in a way that feels authentic and relatable. The performances by the cast, particularly Leah Lewis as Ellie, are outstanding and help elevate the film beyond its genre.
While the ending has been a topic of debate among viewers and critics, it is clear that the film has made an impact on its audience. Critics have praised The Half of It for its representation of LGBTQ+ characters and its portrayal of Asian-American culture.
As for the future of the cast and crew, it is clear that they have bright futures ahead of them. Director Alice Wu has already made a name for herself in the industry with her previous film, Saving Face, and The Half of It is sure to only add to her success. Meanwhile, the young cast members, including Leah Lewis, Daniel Diemer, and Alexxis Lemire, have all received critical acclaim for their performances and are likely to have promising careers ahead of them.
Overall, The Half of It is a must-watch for anyone looking for a fresh take on the teen romantic comedy genre. Its themes and characters are sure to resonate with audiences and its impact on the industry is sure to be felt for years to come.