Malheureux bonheur

The whole movie is based on an intruiging premise, enriched with some decent laughs (if you can find humor in cynicism) and an good ensemble of actors. What keeps the movie from getting boring is the not-quite-right setting/world that serves as a thematic thread.

There are for sure some questionable directional choices and the script could have used a bit more polish, but the movie keeps you intruiged and it doesn't overstay its welcome. So I was entertained throughout the whole thing.

This is one of those movies where you can very clearly see that the writer/director wanted it to be so clever, but they didn't have the talent nor the skill to make it so. The movie is okay-ish (though not great) at creating an interesting premise and atmosphere but, like so many movies that do the first part right, it is really terrible at bringing the plot to a successful and meaningful conclusion. What is worse, it comes complete with an excuse for not giving a meaningful explanation that was, I guess, also supposed to be clever, but was just a blatant insult to the viewers. The supernatural angle was completely unnecessary and just felt half-assed. They should have either developed the supernatural part so it is meaningful, or cut it out completely. Also, some of the non-supernatural parts at the very end were completely unbelievable and ridiculous.

Ultimately, this movie is like a burger from a typical fast food joint - it may taste good for a bit, but there is really nothing of substance in it.

We all have our skeletons some are in the closet and some we carry around with us and in today's times and so is life. My only real take away from the story is that we all know that there is no such thing as a perfect couple. What I didn't get was the guy in the black suit. The film never reveals that....senseless. I mean yeah, I get it the point but I really didn't need to.

The premise was really good ... the end (result) kind of deflates a lot though. Also if you can avoid watching the trailer. While there is some dialog that is really funny and good towards the end, that is not revealed and spoiled there, many of the good things are in the trailer. Which also kind of is misleading in a sense I'd say ... especially considering how the movie turns out.

On the other hand maybe it is our expectations that are to blame. So while I do love that the movie is a bit ... hard to categorize and put in a box (or suit case, no pun intended) ... it also means there is so much you won't be able to understand. What I do like is at least one of the themes in the movie: the shaming category. I really hate that - and it is depicted in a very good manner.

And we also have the "everyone has a secret" thing going on ... well almost everyone. But in a movie that seems and feels otherworldly, maybe we should not expect .. normal at all.

Happily is a bit confusing. The script needs some help, that's for sure, as in the end there are some questions unanswered, some vital ones in my opinion. Now the story feels unfinished, and leaves the audience wondering what the point was of this movie. It could also have been funnier. I like dark comedies but here it's just not good enough. Al Madrigal for example is much funnier as a stand-up comedian. His show Shrimpin' Ain't Easy is really worth a watch if you want to have some good chuckles. The acting wasn't bad in Happily, but the story is just not helping them. I wouldn't waste my time with this one, there are much better dark comedies than Happily.