Happiness 1998

Happiness is a complex and thought-provoking ensemble drama that intertwines various narratives. The story centers on Joy, the youngest of three sisters, who begins her journey by ending a toxic relationship. Her ex responds with an unexpected and malicious outburst, leading to his tragic decision to take his own life just days later. In search of purpose and societal contribution, Joy takes a job at a refugee education center. Unfortunately, she quickly finds herself at odds with her students, who resent her for crossing the picket line during a teachers’ strike. The only student who shows her kindness ultimately betrays her trust, seducing her only to then rob her and demand $1,000 – a request to which she reluctantly agrees.

Trish, Joy’s middle sister, portrays the facade of a blissfully married housewife while making dismissive remarks about Joy’s prospects, revealing the family’s low expectations for her. Trish’s husband, Bill, a therapist with deeply troubling urges, becomes a central figure in a disturbing subplot. He instructs their son about inappropriate subjects and harbors pedophilic fantasies. Bill’s fixation on Johnny, a friend of his son, culminates in a horrific act after he drugs Johnny’s family during a sleepover, leading to a series of devastating events.

The eldest sister, Helen, is a self-absorbed author, aware of the superficiality of her work yet hungering for a visceral understanding of sexual violence. A chance encounter with her neighbor Allen, who has a peculiar penchant for making obscene phone calls, leads to an awkward confrontation that further isolates him. Allen eventually garners attention from Kristina, another tenant. During a date, Kristina reveals her dark past involving a traumatic assault, detailing her violent retribution against her attacker, which is unsettling in its delivery.

As the tension escalates, Joy’s parents are depicted as equally discontented; her father attempts infidelity but finds himself emotionally detached. The film culminates in a tense family dinner where condescension towards Joy reaches a peak. Meanwhile, in a shocking yet symbolic moment, Trish’s son finally succeeds in his own personal endeavor on the balcony, racing in to exclaim, > “I came!”

Through these multiple interconnected stories, Happiness crafts a vivid tapestry of despair, dysfunction, and the longing for connection amidst isolation.