Happy Happy – Sykt lykkelig (2010)

Directed by: Anne Sewitsky | 88 minutes | comedy, drama | Actors: Agnes Kittelsen, Henrik Rafaelsen, Joachim Rafaelsen, Maibritt Saerens, Oskar Hernæs Brandsø, Ram Shihab Ebedy, Heine Totland, Hans Martin Austestad, Nils Christian Fossdal, Mattis Myrland, Håkon Rasmussen

A movie with ‘Happy’ in the title? Then count on misery. From ‘Happiness’ (pedophile pounces on son’s boyfriend) ‘Terribly Happy’ (grim crimes in grim Danish town) ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ (semi-vagrant seeks job, happiness and lots of money) to ‘The Happy Housewife’ (Carice van Houten in various stages of depression): it is all doom and gloom. Even a comedy like ‘Happy-Go-Lucky’ caused red spots and a mild form of misogyny in many film buffs.
So what can you expect from a movie with twice Happy in the title?

Fortunately no misery squared. ‘Happy Happy’ revolves around Kaia, a young woman full of optimism, despite a mediocre marriage and a life full of routine. That optimism lasts until one day she meets the new neighbors. Confronted with the apparent happiness of those neighbors who sing in a choir and raise an Ethiopian child, doubt begins to gnaw. Isn’t there something missing in Kaia’s life and where can she find it?

This Norwegian tragicomedy relies on good acting and a strong script. The latter provides unexpected twists, vicious humor and believable characters. Moreover, it is an honest script, which does not spare characters and audience. A white and a black boy playing master and slave? Perhaps not politically correct or pleasant to watch, but given the course of the story it is believable.

The strongest asset is the acting, especially by Agnes Kittelsen. Kaia’s eternal smile, which would annoy a less talented actress, makes Kittelsen understand how complicated her character is. You see in equal measure the will to be happy, the doubts about her life and an all-encompassing yearning. And when we catch a glimpse of Kaia’s childhood halfway through the film, you understand exactly where those feelings come from.

Then there’s the wintry beauty of the Norwegian countryside and the American traditionals, sung by a male quartet commenting on the acts. In addition, the film is heartwarming and witty, despite all the marital problems and immoral behavior. In short, it cannot be otherwise than that Happy Happy itself also makes you a little happy. Maybe even happy happy.