The relativity of happiness does not fit a monotonous definition. To one person, it is tied to the good life; to another, it lies in career success, good relationships, and various other aspirations. The meaning of happiness also changes with different stages of life. In the words of J.K Rowling, “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
This idea of finding happiness even in the toughest of times is clearly portrayed in Happiness is. It invites the audience to reconstruct the idea of what happiness is and rethink where to find it. In the process, there might be a discovery that happiness lurks very close, even in dark and gloomy days. Circumstances, however ugly or beautiful they appear, are not determiners of what is derived from them— decisions are. As easy and often pronounced as it sounds, happiness remains one of the most difficult and rarest treasures to find.
Storyline
The storyline of Happiness is revolves around Princess, a well-established single mother who is caught in the web of the “Big 40” milestone. As she reflects, she confesses that there is something missing in her life; all boxes are ticked except for that of a partner. Maybe a birthday party is all she needs to remind herself of her achievements. The ever-determined Tumi, Princess’ friend and event planner, pulls all strings to make sure that this mission is accomplished. Amidst the odds—from changes of venue to dealing with a unruly and unexpected guests—everyone, including Princess, must face this reality until the event is done. She must find a way to weather the storm and maintain a cooperative attitude, which includes putting up with her ex and his new lover. The gathering is characterized by unresolved feelings and old flames stirring up unexpected tensions with the potential for new relationships.
Tension peaks with a sudden confession from an unchecked outburst between Princess and Tumi on the birthday bash. Princess’s scheme to reunite with her ex, Leo, and her flaws are brought to light during the duo’s heated argument. Reconciliation, revival, and reunion follow afterward through the characters’ conscious efforts—they must all decide how and where to find this light that must shine in their lives or risk not having it at all. They must unburden the baggage of their past for a more fulfilling present, in anticipation of what lies ahead. Princess will have to decide if the adage “life begins at 40” is truly a reality for her!
Happiness is projects a flat and repetitive storyline which is commonly seen in contemporary glitz and glamour storytelling. It is the average tale of working class adults in search of love, purposeful relationships as means to happiness. Happiness is relies on the colourfulness embedded in storytelling particularly the reliance on cinematography other than ingenuity in narration and characterization. With no much navigation, Happiness is gives the audience no room for surprises which makes narration predictable.
Characterization/Cast
Directed by Nthabiseng Mokoena and Naledi Ya Naledi and written by Duduzile Zamantungwa Mabaso and Thuso Sibisi, Happiness is features Renate Stuurman, Gail Mabalane, Richard Lukunku, Sivuyile Ngesi, OC Ukeje, Anton David Jeftha, Rosemary Zimu, and Phaphama Nqabeni. Living up to the expectations of the genre, the actors embody characters whose lives are woven with actions tied to love, memorable moments, and a sincere commitment to a quest for their own happiness.
Each of these characters in Happiness is reflects a different perspective on happiness. Princess (Renate Stuurman) represents a character on a continuous quest for happiness that is not bound by age. Tumi (Gail Mabalane), on the other hand, subtly tackles the problems that arise from self-denial and clinging to the past, especially in the search for present happiness. The relationship between Richard Lukunku’s Leo and Phaphama Nqabeni’s Nelly sheds light on a happiness derived from selfless relationships.
Meanwhile, OC Ukeje’s (Tony) and Rosemary Zimu’s (Fifi) are noteworthy characters in the carefree category, who derive their happiness in life’s simple joys—for Tony, being a playboy provides all the joy he needs to keep living, while Fifi represents the social media enthusiasts who find elation in providing daily updates for their fans. Through the lens of these characters, Happiness is mirrors a wide range of possibilities for what happiness might look like.
Setting
Happiness is is set in the luxurious and serene natural landscapes of South Africa, drawing the audience closer to the characters’ experiences of happiness. From art galleries to glamorous homes with a ‘heaven on earth’ ambiance, to natural landscapes, the settings add layers to understanding the characters’ social status and subtly suggest that happiness is not always defined by glamorous lifestyles.
Dialogue/Language
The film’s dialogue, blending English with Zulu expressions, adds authenticity and grounds the story in a South African context. The simplicity of the dialogues is direct and relatable and enhances the genuineness of the story projected in Happiness is.
Happiness is suggests that there is no perfect moment to find happiness; instead, conscious efforts should be made to seek it, even in life’s chaotic moments. By leaving the title open-ended, the filmmakers urge us to decide what happiness means to us. It is essential to define one’s happiness and resolve to sustain it, even when times are bad.