What Is Terribly Happy About?
The premise of Terribly Happy in 340 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a rain‑soaked corner of Denmark, a solitary police outpost watches over a village that seems to have been plucked from another era. The low‑lying wetlands surrounding the settlement give the place a damp, almost claustrophobic feel, while its narrow streets are punctuated by the quiet hum of everyday rituals. A lingering sense of melancholy hangs in the air, as if the landscape itself is holding its breath, waiting for something to shift.
Robert Hansen arrives in this isolated community after a painful personal breakdown and a stint in therapy. Once a hard‑boiled officer in the bustling streets of Copenhagen, he now finds himself the sole law‑enforcer in a town where the rhythm of life is slower, the customs stranger, and the locals curiously resistant to outside interference. The village’s eccentric inhabitants—an inquisitive doctor, a retired priest, a grocer with a fondness for card games—welcome him with a mixture of cautious hospitality and subtle wariness, hinting at a tightly knit network that values its own brand of order.
It is here that Ingelise Buhl first appears, a woman whose quiet strength and hidden wounds draw Robert into a world far removed from the rigid procedures he once relied upon. Her presence, and the whispered stories that swirl around her, begin to unsettle his cynical outlook, forcing him to confront the disconnect between his training and the village’s unspoken rules. As he navigates the delicate balance between duty and empathy, the everyday becomes charged with an uneasy tension, suggesting that the town’s placid façade may conceal deeper currents.
The film settles into a mood that is both unsettling and oddly comforting, blending bleak humor with a lingering sense of dread. Robert stands at a crossroads, caught between the pull of his former life and the magnetic, if ambiguous, allure of a place that seems to both protect and imprison those who dwell within it. The audience is left to wonder whether the quiet streets will become his salvation or a further descent into the shadows that linger just beyond the light.
What Happens in Terribly Happy?
The complete story of Terribly Happy, from the first scene to the last, in 754 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
Copenhagen police officer Robert Hansen has been temporarily reassigned by his supervisor, the chief of police in Tonder, to serve as the only law enforcement officer in the small village of Skarrild, nestled within a damp lowland area. Recently emerging from therapy following a breakdown triggered by a violent confrontation with his wife and her lover, Robert feels a deep longing to complete his assignment so he can reunite with his daughter, Josefine, who has been misled to believe he is in Australia.
Upon his arrival in Skarrild, Robert encounters a cast of eccentric locals, including Dr. Zerleng and his two companions, the grocer and the village priest, who are eager for him to join their regular card game. He also meets Ingelise Buhl, a woman tormented by domestic abuse, who starts to weave herself into the fabric of Robert’s daily life. Robert’s curiosity leads him to a local bicycle shop, only to discover it’s been abandoned since the owner mysteriously vanished some time ago. It soon becomes apparent to Robert that the residents of Skarrild prefer administering their own form of justice rather than involving the authorities from Tonder.
As Robert takes on a protective stance towards Ingelise, feelings for her begin to blossom. Following an incident of violence from her husband, Jørgen, Robert visits her home, finding the door ajar. Inside, he stumbles upon an inebriated Jørgen sprawled on the stairs and discovers Ingelise battered and vulnerable in bed. During a moment of intense intimacy, she begins to seduce him, and, caught in the throes of passion, Robert accidentally suffocates her with a pillow when her gasps threaten to awaken Jørgen. Swiftly, he escapes without rousing Jørgen, who remains unconscious on the stairs. The following day, as the tragedy unfolds, Robert is compelled to re-enter the scene of his misfortunate act to investigate. Although he attempts to confess the truth, he is coerced by the doctor into a murky cover-up, as the physician insists the death was due to a heart attack. Frustratingly, Robert knows in his heart that Jørgen may have been responsible, yet the notion of leaving Ingelise’s child, Dorthe, an orphan weighs heavily on him, leading to a profound internal struggle and overwhelming guilt.
As Robert prepares for Ingelise’s funeral, he becomes aware of a button missing from his uniform pocket—a remnant of their tragic encounter. At the mournful luncheon, a warning from the priest echoes in his mind: he should keep an eye out for Jørgen, as townsfolk harbor deep-seated disdain for those who harm their wives. Later that night, Robert vigilantly parks outside Jørgen’s home only to witness a group of men forcibly escorting Jørgen towards the bog at gunpoint. For the first time, Robert acts decisively, brandishing his own gun and ordering the men to stop. He manages to rescue Jørgen, bringing him back home only to discover Dorthe hiding at the grocer’s and mistakenly revealing that she observed him leaving her house the night of her mother’s death. He skillfully convinces her that there was a misunderstanding and returns her to her father.
Tensions escalate when Jørgen challenges Robert to a drinking competition at a bar, leading them both to Robert’s apartment. In a drunken haze, Jørgen produces the missing button from Robert’s uniform, revealing that he has an inkling of the truth. In a moment of desperation, Robert retrieves his gun and fatally shoots Jørgen, thereafter disposing of his body in the bog. Exhausted, he returns to his police car and falls into a restless slumber.
The following day, the Tonder chief of police arrives, leading Robert to investigate a boot discovered in the bog—belonging to Jørgen. Anxiety mounts as Robert waits for his impending fate in the chief’s cruiser. However, the chief proposes an unsettling plan: they could simply label Jørgen’s death as suicide, absolving Robert of guilt and allowing him to return to his previous post in Copenhagen, close to his daughter once more. The notion of returning home brings a fleeting smile to Robert’s face.
As he gets ready to leave Skarrild behind and pack his bags, he stops by Dr. Zerleng’s ongoing card game to bid farewell. Yet, the locals are acutely aware of the dark happenings involving Ingelise and Jørgen. Expressing their relief at their departure, they also threaten that knowledge of Robert’s actions could be detrimental to his life back in Copenhagen. The grocer ominously remarks, “You’re our man now, Robert,” prompting Robert to take a seat at the table, seemingly embracing his fate as their new accomplice.
Terribly Happy Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Robert's Reassignment” to “Embracing a New Identity”. 14 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
Robert's Reassignment
Copenhagen police officer Robert Hansen is temporarily reassigned to the small village of Skarrild after a violent confrontation with his wife. This reassignment is intended to provide Robert with a fresh start, away from his past, while he longs to reunite with his daughter, Josefine.
Where:Skarrild
- 2
Meeting the Locals
Upon arriving in Skarrild, Robert meets various local figures, including Dr. Zerleng, the grocer, and the village priest. They invite him to join their regular card game, introducing him to the peculiar community that resides there.
Where:Skarrild
- 3
Ingelise's Introduction
Robert encounters Ingelise Buhl, a woman suffering from domestic abuse at the hands of her husband, Jørgen. This meeting marks the beginning of Robert’s protective instincts towards her, slowly pulling him into the complex dynamics of village life.
Where:Skarrild
- 4
Discovering the Abandoned Bicycle Shop
Curiosity leads Robert to a local bicycle shop, which has been abandoned since the owner mysteriously disappeared. This discovery hints at the underlying tensions and secrets harbored within the community of Skarrild.
Where:Skarrild
- 5
The Domestic Violence Incident
Robert visits Ingelise's home after witnessing violence from her husband Jørgen. He finds Jørgen passed out and Ingelise in a vulnerable, battered state, leading to an intense moment that forever alters Robert's relationship with her.
Where:Ingelise's Home
- 6
Tragic Encounter
In a moment of passion and panic, Robert accidentally suffocates Ingelise while trying to keep her from waking her husband. Caught in the chaos of his actions, he escapes, leaving behind the grim reality of what just occurred.
Where:Ingelise's Home
- 7
Investigating the Aftermath
The next day, Robert returns to Ingelise's home to investigate the tragedy despite feeling intense guilt. He grapples with his conscience as he is pressured by Dr. Zerleng to cover up the truth about Ingelise's death, leading him deeper into moral ambiguity.
Where:Ingelise's Home
- 8
Preparing for Ingelise's Funeral
As Robert grapples with the loss, he prepares for Ingelise's funeral, haunted by the memories of their last encounter. He finds a missing button from his uniform, a painful reminder of the tragedy that he attempts to conceal.
- 9
Rescue Attempt
During a tense night, Robert witnesses townsfolk dragging Jørgen towards the bog, accusing him of abuse. Despite his own complications with Jørgen, Robert intervenes and unexpectedly saves him, showcasing his conflicted nature.
Where:Skarrild
- 10
Confrontation in the Bar
The tension escalates when Jørgen challenges Robert to a drinking competition, where the truth about the button comes to light. In a fit of desperation, Robert fatally shoots Jørgen, spiraling into further moral decay.
Where:Local Bar
Show the other 5 events of Terribly Happy Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Cover-Up of Jørgen's Death
Following the shooting, Robert disposes of Jørgen's body in the bog, desperately trying to erase the evidence of his crime. Exhausted, Robert returns to his car, reflecting on the dire consequences of his actions.
Where:Bog
- 12
Visit from the Chief of Police
The next day, Robert faces a tense situation when the chief of police arrives to investigate a boot found in the bog. In a shocking twist, the chief proposes that they label Jørgen's death as a suicide to protect Robert from the fallout.
Where:Skarrild
- 13
Decision to Leave Skarrild
Bound by his past and desperate for redemption, Robert prepares to leave Skarrild after the funeral arrangements. For a brief moment, the idea of returning to Copenhagen and reuniting with his daughter brings him relief.
Where:Skarrild
- 14
Farewell with a Warning
As Robert bids farewell to the locals at Dr. Zerleng's card game, he is met with ominous warnings about the implications of his actions regarding Ingelise and Jørgen. The townsfolk's veiled threats leave him unsettled and aware of his entanglement in their secretive justice.
Where:Skarrild
- 15
Embracing a New Identity
Robert ultimately embraces the village's dark reality when he sits down to play cards with the locals. The cryptic comment from the grocer about him being 'their man' suggests that Robert is now entwined in their web of violence and complicity.
Where:Skarrild
Who Are the Main Characters in Terribly Happy?
4 characters, among them Robert Hansen, Ingelise Buhl and Jørgen: who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- RH
Robert Hansen
Robert Hansen is a fragile police officer grappling with his mental state after a breakdown triggered by personal strife. Assigned to Skarrild, he embodies both the protector and the transgressor as he becomes entangled in the village's dark secrets. His journey through guilt, longing, and moral complexity creates a multifaceted character torn between duty and desire.
- 👮 Law Enforcement
- 😞 Vulnerability
- ❤️ Complicated Romance
- IB
Ingelise Buhl
Ingelise Buhl is a deeply troubled woman whose life is overshadowed by domestic abuse. Her relationship with Robert elicits both tenderness and tragedy, as her vulnerability draws him in while also leading to a catastrophic outcome. Ingelise's character highlights the consequences of violence and the struggle for understanding amidst chaos.
- 💔 Abuse Victim
- 😢 Tragic Figure
- ❤️ Love Interest
- J
Jørgen
Jørgen is portrayed as the antagonist in Ingelise's life, embodying the violence and toxicity that haunts their relationship. His behavior fuels Robert's protective instincts, but ultimately leads to a tragic confrontation. Jørgen’s presence looms large even in his absence, as he symbolizes the dark undercurrents of the village life.
- 🔫 Abusive Spouse
- 😠 Conflict
- 💀 Tragedy
- J
Josefine
Josefine is Robert's daughter, whose well-being serves as a catalyst for his decisions throughout the film. Her distance from Robert exacerbates his sense of loss and drives his need to regain stability in his life. Josefine represents both the hope for redemption and the innocent victim of her father's turmoil.
- 👧 Innocence
- ❤️ Family
- 😭 Longing
Where and When Is Terribly Happy Set?
Terribly Happy is set in Skarrild, Tonder and Copenhagen. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie takes place in contemporary times, where issues of domestic violence and personal morality intertwine with law enforcement. The narrative unfolds in a setting that reflects modern societal issues, highlighting the complexities of justice and personal responsibility.
Where
Skarrild, Tonder, Copenhagen
Skarrild is a small village nestled in a damp lowland area, known for its tight-knit community and eccentric residents. It presents a seemingly serene facade, yet hides dark secrets and a preference for self-administered justice. Tonder serves as the nearby town, with a more established law enforcement presence, while Copenhagen represents the more urban backdrop that contrasts with Skarrild.
- 🏡 Village
- 🌳 Countryside
- 🚓 Law Enforcement
What Are the Themes of Terribly Happy?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Justice, Tragedy and Guilt.
-
01
Justice
The theme of justice is central to the narrative, as Robert faces moral dilemmas when the villagers choose to enact their own form of justice instead of involving the authorities. His initial role as a protector is challenged as he becomes embroiled in violence and cover-ups. The blurred lines between right and wrong complicate Robert's journey and culminate in a personal reckoning.
-
02
Tragedy
Tragedy permeates the story as personal relationships unravel, culminating in a heartbreaking incident involving Ingelise. The aftermath of her death leads to a series of tragic decisions that haunt Robert, emphasizing the devastating consequences of actions taken in passion. The theme of loss extends beyond individuals to impact the entire community.
-
03
Guilt
Guilt is a pervasive theme that influences Robert’s every action following Ingelise's death. His internal conflict and recognition of his role in the tragedy reveal the psychological burden he carries. The exploration of guilt leads Robert to make increasingly desperate choices, highlighting how past actions can trap individuals in moral quandaries.
What Kind of Film Is Terribly Happy?
Dark in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bleak
A dark and psychologically oppressive film that steadily builds tension as a troubled policeman becomes trapped by the sinister secrets and manipulative justice of a small, isolated community.
- unsettling
- claustrophobic
- melancholic
- oppressive
- tense
- guilt-ridden
- small-town corruption
- domestic abuse
- guilt and responsibility
- moral compromise
Content notes: domestic abuse, murder, child endangerment.
Quiz
How well do you remember Terribly Happy? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch Terribly Happy
Stream it on Hoopla and Kanopy, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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