Try Harder!

About This Movie

Try Harder! is a fascinating look into the pressures of academic life, particularly within the context of an Asian American community at a competitive high school. The film captures the unique atmosphere of Lowell High, where the nerdy kids are the ones who set the trends. It’s shot in a way that feels intimate, almost like you're eavesdropping on these kids' lives as they navigate their senior year with a mix of ambition and anxiety. The pacing is natural, almost documentary-like, which adds to its authenticity. The practical moments – candid conversations, the electric energy of college applications – really stand out. It’s distinctive for how it shines a light on a specific cultural experience while also touching on universal themes of aspiration and identity.

Insightful exploration of academic pressuresCaptures the unique culture of Lowell HighIntimate and candid documentary style