This is not a love story, or not one where anyone gets what they want,” Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis) aptly says in 'The Half of It'. And yet, it's precisely this unconventional approach that makes the film a beautiful, poignant exploration of friendship, coming-of-age, acceptance, and love. The story follows Ellie, a high school student who agrees to write letters to her crush, Aster (Alexxis Lemire), on behalf of her classmate Paul (Daniel Diemer). As the letter exchange unfolds, Ellie develops strong feelings for Aster, while forming a genuine bond with Paul. Loosely inspired by Edmond Rostand's 1897 play Cyrano de Bergerac, the film masterfully navigates the complexities of love, longing, and acceptance. The relationships between Ellie, Paul, and Aster are heartfelt and authentic, with standout performances from Lewis and Diemer. Director Alice Wu's screenplay is impeccable, balancing wit, delicacy, and humor. What truly sets 'The Half of It' apart, however, is its thoughtful, unconventional ending. Without spoiling the conclusion, it's safe to say that the film's beauty lies in its ability to subvert traditional love story expectations, instead offering a poignant reminder that sometimes, the greatest love story is the one we have with ourselves. 'The Half of It' is a perfect, feel-good story that will leave you wishing you'd seen it sooner. P.S. The movie has some beautiful quotes.

This is a breezy little gem that's full of heart. It's well written and directed by Alice Wu. The young cast does some great work. Give this one a chance if you haven't seen it yet. 8.5/10