My Happy Family 2017

Drama

Box Office

$783K

Runtime

120 min

Language

Georgian

Directed by

Nana Ekvtimishvili

Made by

Netflix

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My Happy Family Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for My Happy Family (2017). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

Manana, portrayed by Ia Shugliashvili, is a 50-year-old woman who makes the pivotal decision to leave behind her family, which includes her husband, children, and parents. The motivations behind her choice remain largely unknown and obscure to her family, shrouding the narrative in a veil of mystery. However, as the story unfolds, viewers gradually gain insight into Manana’s perspective. Her courageous act of challenging society’s expectations of women lends a powerful feminist undertone to My Happy Family.

Working as a schoolteacher with her own career and income, Manana takes a bold step by renting a modest apartment in the outskirts of her town. During a visit to a local market, she unexpectedly encounters a former classmate who extends an invitation to their 35th high school reunion. This reunion becomes the backdrop for a shocking revelation: her husband, Merab Ninidze, had an affair during their marriage, resulting in the birth of a son who is now 13 years old. Following this revelation, Manana adopts a clever guise as a meter-reader for the gas company, allowing her to discreetly visit Soso’s former lover and their son to understand their lives firsthand.

Adding tension to her situation, Manana finds out that her brother, Dimitri Oragvelidze, has been conversing with her new neighbors about her life choices. Although he believes his intentions are to protect her from unwanted male attention, she perceives his actions as a gross violation of her privacy and personal autonomy.

On a parallel subplot, Manana’s son, who resides with her parents and his father, shockingly announces his marriage to his pregnant girlfriend. Simultaneously, her daughter faces heartbreak when she discovers her new husband is unfaithful, a secret that Manana had stumbled upon but chose not to reveal.

The film culminates in a poignant confrontation, where Manana poses several crucial questions to Soso, leaving the audience in suspense about his possible responses. The narrative not only explores themes of betrayal and family dynamics but also highlights Manana’s quest for identity and autonomy in a world that attempts to define her.

My Happy Family Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of My Happy Family (2017) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Manana's Departure

Manana makes the life-altering choice to leave her family, including her husband, children, and parents. This bold move is motivated by unknown factors that are not fully understood by her family, introducing a mysterious element to her decision.

Establishing Independence

After leaving her family, Manana takes important steps to assert her independence. She rents a modest apartment on the outskirts of town, marking a significant shift in her life as she embraces her own space and freedom.

Outskirts of Town

The High School Reunion Invitation

While shopping at a local market, Manana unexpectedly runs into a former classmate who invites her to their upcoming 35th high school reunion. This invitation sparks nostalgia and leads to a revelation that changes everything for Manana.

Local Market

A Shocking Revelation

At the reunion, Manana learns that her husband has been unfaithful, leading to the birth of a son who is now 13 years old. This discovery is a turning point for her as it forces her to confront the realities of her marriage and family.

High School Reunion

A Clever Disguise

To better understand the situation surrounding her husband's affair, Manana adopts the disguise of a meter-reader for the gas company. This allows her to visit her husband's former lover and their son, deepening her insight into their lives.

Brother's Concerns

Manana discovers that her brother has been discussing her life choices with the new neighbors. Although he thinks he is protecting her, she feels his actions are intrusive and a violation of her personal autonomy.

Son's Marriage Announcement

In a surprising twist, Manana's son, who has been living with her parents and his father, announces his engagement to his pregnant girlfriend. This news adds another layer of complexity to Manana's family dynamics.

Daughter's Heartbreak

Manana's daughter undergoes her own emotional turmoil as she discovers her new husband's unfaithfulness. Manana, aware of this betrayal but choosing to remain silent, grapples with her role as a mother amid her daughter’s suffering.

Confrontation with Soso

The film culminates in an intense confrontation between Manana and her husband, Soso. During this emotional exchange, Manana poses significant questions, leaving both her and the audience in suspense regarding Soso's potential answers.

Exploration of Identity

Throughout the narrative, Manana embarks on a journey of self-discovery and exploration of her identity. Her choices and experiences in the film serve to highlight her struggle for autonomy in a society that heavily pressures women.

Themes of Betrayal

The film intricately weaves themes of betrayal within family dynamics. Manana's profound experiences are not only shaped by her husband's infidelity but also by her children's personal crises, further complicating her quest for autonomy.

Empowerment and Feminism

Manana’s story is underscored by a powerful feminist message as she defies societal expectations of women. Her decision to leave her family and seek her own path becomes a source of inspiration for many viewers.

My Happy Family Characters

Explore all characters from My Happy Family (2017). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Manana

Manana, portrayed by Ia Shugliashvili, is a complex character struggling against societal pressures. Her determination to reclaim her identity shines through in her courageous actions and decisions. Despite her family's attempts to control her life, she seeks independence while dealing with the emotional turmoil of betrayal and familial expectations.

👩‍🏫 Teacher 💪 Independence 💔 Heartbroken

Soso

Soso, played by Merab Ninidze, is Manana's husband whose betrayal catalyzes her journey for self-discovery. His affair and its consequences reveal the fragility of their marriage. Although he may have once represented stability, his actions force both Manana and the audience to reflect on personal responsibility and the repercussions of choices made.

👨‍👩‍👦 Family 💔 Betrayer 🔄 Complicated

Rezo

Rezo, portrayed by Dimitri Oragvelidze, is Manana’s brother who inadvertently complicates her situation. His protective nature leads him to meddle in her life, showcasing the theme of family loyalty versus individual freedom. His intentions may be good, but his actions reflect a misunderstanding of Manana's desire for autonomy.

👨‍👧‍👦 Brother 💬 Interfering 🎭 Protector

My Happy Family Settings

Learn where and when My Happy Family (2017) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

The film presents a contemporary setting that reflects the modern struggles of women in society. It addresses ongoing issues of gender roles and expectations, making it relatable to today's audience while still evoking timeless themes of personal evolution and societal challenges.

Location

Outskirts of the town

The outskirts of the town serve as a new beginning for Manana, providing her with a space to explore her independence. This area is a blend of residential life and local markets, where everyday connections unfold, highlighting the contrast between her family's traditional expectations and her pursuit of self-discovery.

🏙️ City 🏡 Home

My Happy Family Themes

Discover the main themes in My Happy Family (2017). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🌸

Feminism

The narrative strongly embodies feminist themes as it delves into Manana's quest for personal freedom against societal norms. Her decision to leave her family exemplifies the struggle for women's autonomy and challenges the traditional roles imposed on them, providing a refreshing perspective on identity.

💔

Betrayal

Betrayal is a recurring theme throughout the film, notably highlighted by the revelation of Soso's affair. This act not only fractures the trust within the family but also propels Manana into a journey of self-exploration, forcing her to confront her own life's truths and choices.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Family Dynamics

The film intricately weaves family dynamics into its narrative, showcasing the complexities of relationships among Manana, her children, and her husband. The differing reactions to her choices reveal the varying perceptions of loyalty, responsibility, and the impact of secrets within familial bonds.

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My Happy Family Spoiler-Free Summary

Discover the spoiler-free summary of My Happy Family (2017). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.

In a quiet Georgian town where the rhythm of daily life is marked by bustling markets, school corridors, and the lingering scent of freshly baked bread, the world of My Happy Family feels both intimate and expansive. The film captures the subtle beauty of ordinary moments—children’s laughter echoing through courtyard walls, the soft murmur of language lessons, and the unspoken expectations that bind generations together. Its tone balances gentle humor with a contemplative melancholy, inviting viewers to linger on the spaces between spoken words and the emotions they conceal.

At the center of this tableau stands Manana, a literature teacher who, on the cusp of her 52nd birthday, makes a startling choice: to step out of the life she has built with her husband, children, and aging parents. Her decision reverberates through the household like a quiet tremor, prompting each family member to reassess the roles they have long accepted. While the reasons for her departure remain an inner mystery, the film frames her move as a quiet act of defiance against entrenched expectations, hinting at a deeper yearning for autonomy.

The household itself is a microcosm of intertwined histories. Merab watches his wife’s resolve with a mixture of confusion and concern, while their adult children navigate their own crossroads, each carrying the weight of parental legacies. Even the older generation, who have witnessed decades of societal change, find themselves drawn into the unfolding dialogue about identity and belonging. Conversations ripple through kitchen tables and living rooms, revealing how tightly knit relationships can both comfort and constrain.

Through its observant lens, the story explores the delicate balance between love and individual freedom, portraying a family at a turning point without exposing the specifics of what lies ahead. The narrative’s understated style and rich visual texture encourage curiosity, leaving the audience to wonder how each character will negotiate the uncharted terrain that follows Manana’s brave step beyond the familiar.

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