X
  • 2021
  • Greenwich Entertainment
  • 1 h 25 m
  • 2021
  • Greenwich Entertainment
  • 1 h 25 m

Summary At Lowell High School, the top-ranked public high school in San Francisco, the seniors are stressed out. As they prepare for the emotionally draining college application process, students are keenly aware of the intense competition for the few open spots in their dream schools. They scrutinize how every element of their application, fro...

Directed By: Debbie Lum

Written By: Spencer Nakasako

  • 2021
  • Greenwich Entertainment
  • 1 h 25 m
  • 2021
  • Greenwich Entertainment
  • 1 h 25 m

Try Harder!

Metascore Generally Favorable
75
User Score Available after 4 ratings
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Summary At Lowell High School, the top-ranked public high school in San Francisco, the seniors are stressed out. As they prepare for the emotionally draining college application process, students are keenly aware of the intense competition for the few open spots in their dream schools. They scrutinize how every element of their application, fro...

Directed By: Debbie Lum

Written By: Spencer Nakasako

Where to Watch

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 4 Critic Reviews
75
100% Positive
4 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

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  • Positive Reviews
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 4 Critic Reviews
75
100% Positive
4 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
83
Jan 6, 2022
While Try Harder! is an important tribute to these kids and their work, it’s also a rebuke of college apps in general.
By Asher Luberto FULL REVIEW
80
Dec 2, 2021
Quiet yet assertive, Try Harder! itself succeeds at not trying too hard.
By Beandrea July FULL REVIEW
75
Dec 3, 2021
Try Harder! is a charming dark comedy with a light touch, with part of its self-deprecating humor right there in the title.
By Nick Allen FULL REVIEW
70
Dec 2, 2021
As snapshots go of bright kids facing the next step, Try Harder! is winning enough, but considering how much more there is to follow up on, here’s hoping it’s only part one.
By Robert Abele FULL REVIEW

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Details

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Production Company California Council for the Humanities, ITVS International, Independent Lens, XTR
Release Date Dec 3, 2021
Duration 1 h 25 m
Genres
Website https://www.facebook.com/TryHarderFilm
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Awards

Sundance Film Festival
• 1 Nomination
Cinema Eye Honors Awards, US
• 1 Nomination
Film Independent Spirit Awards
• 1 Nomination

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