The Happys

The Happys is a 2016 American comedy-drama film directed by Tom Gould and John Serpe. Taking the audience through a roller-coaster of raw emotion, unexpected twists and turns, this insightful movie chronicles the life-altering journey of Tracy, portrayed by Amanda Bauer, a Midwest suburban girl who makes her way to bustling Los Angeles, with her dreams tightly packed alongside her luggage.

The movie begins with Tracy moving to Los Angeles with her boyfriend Mark, played by Jack DePew. Mark is an emerging actor climbing the ladder of Hollywood success, and Tracy is seemingly content to lead a tranquil, domesticated life, celebrating her romantic partner's achievements more than she cherishes her own.

But her peaceful existence is unraveled when she discovers Mark's infidelities, forcing her to reassess her life, her relationship, and her concept of happiness. This whirlwind of events pulls Tracy out of her comfort zone and into the eccentric neighborhood of Los Feliz (Spanish for "The Happys"), setting the stage for Tracy's transformation journey.

Noteworthy, in The Happys, is the performance by the veteran actress Janeane Garofalo. Garofalo plays the role of Luann, a former film star with a bevy of unsurpassed wisdom and brutal honesty. Luann's character has an indelible impact on Tracy, guiding her through the unruly currents of life and helping her understand that true happiness is not always where or what we presume it to be.

As Tracy crosses paths with a quirky group of characters in her new neighborhood, including a vegan chef and a transvestite, her perceptions of people and life starts to shift. These misfits, each struggling with their own unique life issues, help Tracy to realize just how diverse, complex and perhaps, convoluted the human pursuit of happiness can be.

The comedy-drama takes viewers deep into the real Los Angeles, far from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, into the offbeat and odd corners of this sprawling city. The film beautifully captures the essence of Los Feliz's friendly eccentricities, using it as a textured backdrop that mirrors Tracy's puzzling, tumultuous, and transformative life journey.

The Happys is a poignant coming-of-age film that delicately interweaves humor with deep emotional undercurrents. It offers expression to the universal human quest for happiness, and the unexpected avenues that life can lead us down in pursuit of it. It peeks into the society’s pre-established notions of success and joy, underscoring the fact that the two don't always coincide. Tracy’s complex internal struggle with these ideas forms a substantial part of the storyline, illuminating her path to self-discovery and growth.

The film owns a distinct narrative style that effectively draws the audience into the ongoing life-altering drama of Tracy. The directors Gould and Serpe do an exceptional job of interlacing the movie with elements of quirkiness and surprise without failing to hold onto the viewers' emotions tightly. Moreover, the screenplay is cleverly written with a keen perception of human complexities and an authentic approach to storytelling, making the characters and their personal ordeals strikingly relatable.

What sets The Happys apart, is its ability to blend comedy and drama without compromising the gravity or depth of either. The movie beautifully explores the messiness of life and the concept of finding happiness in the unlikeliest of places. It emphasizes how sometimes, the darkest of clouds can have the brightest silver lining.

Amanda Bauer as Tracy delivers a heart-wrenching performance, effectively portraying the journey from confusion to literal consciousness. Her transformation throughout the film mirrors the authenticity of the script and the prowess of directors Gould and Serpe.

Overall, The Happys is an exploration of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. It's a cinematic gem that leaves viewers with several thought-provoking messages about life, growth, and the quest for authentic happiness. It’s for anyone who loves a good dramatic comedy and is also looking for films that touch the soul and stir the mind. The Happys will leave you contemplating your definition of happiness and might just give you a newfound appreciation for the journey of life.