Happy Christmas

Happy Christmas is a comedy-drama film released in 2014, directed by Joe Swanberg. The movie features the talents of Anna Kendrick, Melanie Lynskey, Mark Webber, and Swanberg himself.

The story revolves around Jenny (Anna Kendrick), a reckless 20-something, who moves in with her older brother Jeff (Joe Swanberg), his wife Kelly (Melanie Lynskey), and their two-year-old son in Chicago after a break-up. Jenny is trying to rediscover herself after the end of a long-term relationship, and she brings along her own baggage and problems to the household.

Jeff and Kelly are having trouble juggling their professional and personal lives, and the addition of Jenny makes things more complicated. Jeff is a movie director trying to finish his latest project on time, while Kelly is a stay-at-home mom who is also trying to write a novel. They are stretched thin, especially with the responsibility of taking care of a toddler and looking after a reckless sister.

Jenny initially struggles to fit in and connect with her family, but soon forms a bond with Kelly. She also meets Kevin (Mark Webber), a musician and Jenny's new romantic interest. The movie then follows the interactions between these characters as they navigate their relationships and personal challenges.

One of the key themes of the movie is the struggle of modern, working families to balance their work and home lives. While Jeff and Kelly both have careers and passions, they also have to raise their child and take care of their household, leaving little time for themselves. Jenny's presence in the house further complicates their lives and amplifies their stress.

Another key theme is the exploration of the idea of adulthood and growing up. Jenny is trying to find herself after the end of a long-term relationship but she struggles to find direction and purpose. Jeff and Kelly are already established in their careers and family lives, but their responsibilities leave them little room for personal growth or change.

The movie is shot in a low-budget, indie style and has a very loose, naturalistic feel. The dialogue is improvised and the movie has a very fly-on-the-wall quality, capturing both the mundane everyday moments as well as the more emotional and dramatic ones.

Anna Kendrick delivers a fantastic performance as Jenny, capturing both her carefree, reckless spirit as well as her vulnerability and insecurity. Melanie Lynskey is also great as Kelly, bringing a warmth and sincerity to her character. Joe Swanberg and Mark Webber provide solid support, but the movie really belongs to its female leads.

Overall, Happy Christmas is a heartwarming, funny, and relatable movie that explores the complexities of family, relationships, and growing up. It is an intimate portrait of a modern family and the struggles they face in juggling their personal and professional lives. The movie will have you laughing, crying, and reflecting on your own life and relationships.