Documentary

Try Harder! (2021): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Name: Try Harder!
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2021-12-03
Duration: 1 h 25 min
Cast: Alvan Cai, Ian Wang, Rachael Schmidt, Richard Shapiro, Shealand Fairchild

Try Harder! is a 2021 documentary directed by Debbie Lum, starring Alvan Cai, Ian Wang and Rachael Schmidt. It runs 1 hour 25 minutes and earned $32,432 worldwide. Critics gave it 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and 75 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.2/10.

IMDb rating: 7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
worldwide gross: $32.4K
Echo Score: 79

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Watch the trailer

Released: December 3, 2021
Runtime: 1h 25m (85 min)
Director: Debbie Lum
Genre: Documentary
Original language: English
Studio: Greenwich Entertainment
After the credits: No No extra scene

The story

What Is Try Harder! About?

The premise of Try Harder! without spoilers.

This documentary explores the intense pressure cooker environment of San Francisco’s Lowell High School as seniors navigate the demanding college application process. Students grapple with academic expectations while striving to define their personal identities, carefully evaluating every detail of their profiles against fierce competition for limited spots. The film reveals the high stakes and emotional realities faced by these ambitious young people striving for a future at prestigious universities.

Try Harder! Themes & Keywords

· 10 tags

high school
student
teacher
education
college
elite
pressure
emotion
competition
educational documentary

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Cast & crew

Try Harder! Cast

Alvan Cai leads the cast, with Ian Wang and Rachael Schmidt. Directed by Debbie Lum; 6 actors are credited in all.

Director Debbie Lum

Alvan Cai as themselves
Ian Wang as themselves
Rachael Schmidt as themselves
Richard Shapiro as themselves

Also Starring in Try Harder!

· 2 more

Shealand Fairchild Themselves
Sophia Wu Themselves

Ratings

Try Harder! Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Try Harder! 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and 75 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 79/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in story & flow (70).

79 /100

Try Harder! Echo Score Breakdown

Try Harder! offers a thoughtful look at the pressures facing elite high‑school students as they navigate college admissions. The documentary blends humor with earnest moments, highlighting systemic stress while humanizing its subjects. Critics note its well‑crafted presentation and relevance, though some viewers find the focus overly narrow on statistics. The film succeeds in sparking conversation about educational inequality, delivering a compelling – if occasionally dense – portrait of ambition and anxiety.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

Art & Craft 80

From a directorial standpoint, the film demonstrates measured pacing and clear visual composition. The cinematography captures the school’s environment with understated palettes, while editing stitches together individual stories into a cohesive whole. Sound design remains unobtrusive, allowing interviews to dominate. These craft elements collectively reinforce the documentary’s informative tone, earning a strong technical impression.
Character & Emotion 85

The documentary foregrounds the students’ experiences, delivering nuanced performances through candid interviews. Subjects are portrayed with empathy, revealing personal anxieties and aspirations. Interpersonal chemistry surfaces in moments of shared pressure, adding depth to the narrative. This focus on authentic human emotion grants the film an engaging emotional core that resonates with audiences.
Story & Flow 70

The narrative follows six seniors as they pursue admission to elite universities, structuring the arc around application milestones. While the premise is original and the stakes are clear, the story sometimes stalls amid detailed statistics and procedural minutiae, which can dilute momentum. Nonetheless, the overarching commentary on systemic competition maintains audience interest.
Sensory Experience 78

Auditory elements, including a subtle score and ambient school sounds, support the film’s contemplative mood without overwhelming dialogue. Visual style relies on steady framing and natural lighting, emphasizing realism over stylistic flourishes. This restrained sensory approach aligns with the documentary’s intent to foreground content, delivering a cohesive viewing experience.
Rewatch Factor 80

The film’s relevance to ongoing debates about college admissions and its relatable portrayal of student stress give it lasting appeal. Viewers may return to examine nuanced observations or discuss its themes in educational settings. While the dense informational sections may deter repeat viewings for some, the emotional resonance and topical significance encourage multiple engagements.