Heather Graham Makes Her Feature Writing and Directing Debut With Half Magic

There’s something really heartening about Hollywood actresses who transition into writing and directing, using their existing clout and access to move the needle forward in a predominantly male field in their industry. You may know Heather Graham from her work in films like Boogie Nights and The Hangover, and TV shows like Scrubs and Angie Tribeca. Now, she’s making her feature film debut as a writer and director with the upcoming comedy, Half Magic.

Starring Graham, along with Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s Stephanie Beatriz and The Office‘s Angela Kinsey, Half Magic tells the story of three women who use their newly formed sisterhood to fight against sexism, bad relationships and low self-esteem. As the official description says, “Through embracing their wild adventures, they learn the secret to ultimate fulfillment.”

My feelings about the trailer are decidedly … mixed. On the one hand, I love seeing a film centered around three female characters, both written and directed by a woman in existence, as well as the fact that the film stars a younger Latina alongside two women over 40 (gasp!), which Hollywood might have you believe is well past an actress’ pull-date. (PS – it’s not, and that’s bullshit) I also love that the film seems to be about women finding their way toward sexual fulfillment, something that women and girls are never…really…taught to expect or think about.

That said, the humor seems a little wonky, and from this trailer, I struggle to understand what the actual plot is. Like, I know it’s about “friends who help each other find fulfillment,” but what’s the actual story? Graham’s character is a writer, but she also wants a nice guy, but also friendship? That’s not a story. That’s a series of circumstances. Even the official description of the film is pretty vague. The women “use their newly formed sisterhood to fight against sexism.” OK, but like how, though? And what actually happens?

Still, this is only a first trailer, and honestly, the film being written and directed by a woman and starring Stephanie Beatriz is enough park my butt in a seat to watch. How about you? Will you be seeing Half Magic?

Half Magic arrives in select theaters and on-demand & digital HD February 23.

(image: Momentum Pictures)

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