Hey, Happy! 2002

Sci-Fi

Fantasy

Comedy

Box Office

$9.6K

Runtime

75 min

Language

English

Directed by

Noam Gonick

Made by

Mongrel Media

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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Hey, Happy! (2002). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

Society has dramatically shifted in the wake of catastrophic environmental disasters, cascading into the eventual downfall of Western civilization. However, in this eccentric post-apocalyptic satire, the vibrant pulses of sex and dancing remain very much alive. Set against the stark backdrop of the outskirts of Winnipeg, we follow a group led by the sexually ambiguous hipster, Ricky G., played by Johnny Simone. This makeshift society, comprised of rave kids and misfits, has crafted a new existence amidst adversity.

At the heart of this community is the insatiable DJ and porn-merchant, Sabu, whose relentless pursuit of pleasure drives him towards a daring goal: seducing 2,000 men before an impending flood could obliterate their encampment. As he closes in on this monumental number, Sabu focuses on a special target, the socially awkward science enthusiast, Happy. Happy, known for his quirky habits of discovering numerological patterns in men’s room graffiti and claiming communication with alien life forms, unwittingly becomes the centerpiece of Sabu’s quest.

“The alien voices tell him they can’t make physical contact until he has sex with Sabu.”

Yet, Sabu’s ambitions encounter a formidable challenge with the arrival of Spanky O’Niel, a cunning hairdresser and body-modification advocate, played by Clayton Godson. Determined to thwart Sabu’s aspirations, Spanky resorts to extreme measures, including abducting Happy and forcing him into an unconventional romance.

The film embraces a uniquely outrageous narrative that combines the absurd with the deeply comedic, allowing a point of view that champions free expression in the face of imminent doom. As Sabu spins his records at an open-air porn emporium, mixing electric beats with the outrageous sounds of his surroundings, he embodies the spirit of resilience. The eccentricities of this bizarre world, filled with colorful freaks and disco stars, create a setting that challenges societal norms and revels in its own perverse nature.

This cinematic journey captures the essence of underground counterculture, demanding nothing less than full engagement from its viewers. With a synth-heavy soundtrack that complements its striking visuals, the film is unapologetically quirky, offering a mix of humor, shock, and unapologetic flamboyance. Ultimately, this vibrant portrayal of survival against societal collapse ensures that while the world outside may be crumbling, the celebration of life, love, and dance continues unabated in this bizarre corner of the universe.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Hey, Happy! (2002) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

The Collapse of Civilization

Environmental disasters have wreaked havoc, leading to the final collapse of Western civilization. Society as it was known has been lost, setting the stage for a chaotic new world.

The Makeshift City of Rave Kids

On the outskirts of Winnipeg, a community of rave kids has formed a makeshift city. This new society thrives on sex, dancing, and music, creating a unique subculture amidst the ruins.

Outskirts of Winnipeg

DJ Sabu's Obsession

Leading the community is DJ Sabu, a flamboyant character with an insatiable sexual appetite. He embarks on a mission to seduce 2,000 men before the impending flood destroys their encampment.

The Quest for Mister 2K

Sabu zeroes in on Happy, an attractive yet socially inept science buff, as his special choice for Mister 2K. His goal is to have one last fling, which is crucial to reach his ambitious target.

Happy's Alien Connections

Happy possesses a unique ability to communicate with alien life forms, finding meanings in graffiti and receiving messages from other dimensions. His peculiar talents set him apart in this bizarre society.

The Rave on Garbage Hill

Sabu makes his proposition to Happy during a rave on Garbage Hill. Happy, initially hesitant due to his social awkwardness, becomes eager as he believes that physical contact will enable alien communications.

Garbage Hill

Abduction by Spanky

Just as romance seems possible, Spanky O'Niel, Sabu's rival, orchestrates an abduction of Happy. The sinister hairdresser aims to sabotage Sabu's plans by forcing Happy into a love servitude.

Happy's Kidnapping

Happy is captured by Spanky and his crew of beauticians, leading him into a chaotic situation. He finds himself torn between Sabu's advances and the manipulative schemes of Spanky.

The Search for Connection

Amidst the absurdity, the characters navigate their desires and the post-apocalyptic landscape. Happy’s unique perspective creates tension as he tries to forge connections and escape his predicament.

Makeshift City

The Great Flood

As the village faces the imminent effect of the Great Flood, Sabu races against time to achieve his goal. The impending disaster heightens the stakes for romance and survival in their chaotic world.

Exploration of Self

Each character undergoes a transformation, reflecting the extremes of their desires and identities. The environment encourages a fearless exploration of sexuality, queerness, and community.

Makeshift City

Climax of Conflicts

The climax is marked by confrontations between Sabu, Happy, and Spanky, revealing deeper motivations and relationships. The chaos symbolizes both the struggles of love and self-identity in a collapsing society.

Resolution Amidst Ruins

The characters confront their fates as the flood looms closer, and bonds are formed or broken in moments of desperation. The resolution is a reflection on acceptance and the unusual joys of life.

A Celebration of Life

Despite the absurdity and darkness surrounding them, the community continues to celebrate life through dance and sex. The irreverence becomes a form of resistance against the apocalypse.

Makeshift City

The Legacy of the Rave Kids

The film concludes with a sense of enduring hope amidst the ruins. The legacy of the rave kids transcends their present chaos, hinting at the possibility of renewal and transformation.

Outskirts of Winnipeg

Characters

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Ricky G. (Johnny Simone)

Ricky G. is a sexually ambiguous hipster and the leader of an encampment of rave kids. He embodies the spirit of rebellion and joy in a world that has lost its societal structure. His charisma and unique outlook help foster community among the survivors, showcasing resilience through dance and celebration.

🕺 Hipster 🌈 Leader

Sabu (Jérémie Yuen)

Sabu is a determined DJ and porn-merchant with a relentless sexual ambition. His obsession with seducing 2,000 men drives much of the plot, revealing his larger-than-life personality and humorous approach to the apocalypse. He navigates through rivalries and absurd situations, making him a memorable character in this surreal landscape.

🎧 DJ 💔 Obsessed

Happy (Craig Aftanis)

Happy is portrayed as socially inept and quirky, often seen engaging with alien life forms and finding numerological significance in everyday life. His innocence juxtaposed with the outrageous behaviors of others leads to comical situations. This unique perspective allows him to become a sought-after character in the chaos around him.

👽 Nerdy 🔭 Astral Communicator

Spanky O'Niel (Clayton Godson)

Spanky is a body-modification advocate and hair stylist who presents a strong challenge to Sabu's plans. His devious nature and determination to win Happy's affections add an element of competition to the story. A quirky antagonist, Spanky embodies the spirit of the vibrant nightlife while also representing darker motives.

💇 Hair Stylist 😈 Antagonist

Setting

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Time period

Not-so-distant future

The film unfolds in a not-so-distant future marked by societal collapse due to environmental catastrophes. This post-apocalyptic scenario showcases the extremes of human behavior as civilization crumbles. The looming fear of a Great Flood serves as a backdrop for the characters' outrageous lifestyles and survival.

Location

Winnipeg

The movie takes place on the outskirts of Winnipeg, a city transformed into a desolate landscape following environmental disasters. Known for its cold winters, the new setting is an industrial junkyard filled with colorful characters. In this makeshift community, a vibrant underground culture persists amidst the threat of impending disaster.

🌆 Urban 🌍 Post-Apocalyptic

Themes

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🎉

Survival

The theme of survival is central to the movie, as characters navigate a world devastated by environmental ruin. Amidst chaos, they seek to maintain a semblance of society through sexual expression and community gatherings. This outrageous approach to survival highlights the resilience and adaptability of humanity even in dire circumstances.

🌀

Identity

Identity plays a crucial role in the film, exploring concepts of sexual fluidity and self-expression in a chaotic environment. Characters like Sabu and Happy challenge traditional norms, showcasing the fluid nature of desire and relationships. The post-apocalyptic setting amplifies their struggles, turning their quest for connection into a humorous yet profound commentary on identity.