36th Film Independent Spirit Awards: “The Half Of It” — Best Screenplay

THE HALF OF IT

BEST SCREENPLAY

Viewing Information

INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDS — FILM #4 of 33
FEBRUARY 21, 2021
NETFLIX

BEST SCREENPLAY
Alice Wu

Film Synopsis

Shy, straight-A student Ellie is hired by sweet but inarticulate jock Paul, who needs help winning over a popular girl. But their new and unlikely friendship gets complicated when Ellie discovers she has feelings for the same girl.

Looking at Best Screenplay

Alice Wu turns a small-town love triangle on its head with “The Half Of It.” She obviously has a connection to these characters because they feel authentic. There’s truth to their struggles, and it makes you feel for them. Personally, some of the casting choices may have harmed the film more than the screenplay, but Alice’s work is still able to shine through.

Talk about a small fish in a big pond. Facing some stiff competition in the Best Screenplay, widely beloved films like “Minari” and “Promising Young Woman” are going to steal the spotlight. If I were a betting man, my money would be on the latter. Also, “Never Rarely Sometimes Always” is an independent darling, so it should not be counted out. But I see the chances for “The Half Of It” being pretty slim.

BEST SCREENPLAY
RANKING

1. “The Half Of It” — Alice Wu