Name: Happiness for Beginners
Genre: Romance, Adventure, Comedy, Drama
Released: 2023-07-23T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Ellie Kemper, Luke Grimes, Nico Santos, Blythe Danner, Ben Cook

The opening shot of Happiness for Beginners lingers on Ellie Kemper’s face as she stares at her divorce papers, a mix of relief and terror playing out in those close-up frames. It’s a moment that promises introspection, but the film quickly pivots into a rom-com trope: the divorced woman seeking reinvention through an unlikely adventure.

Vicky Wight’s adaptation of Katherine Center’s novel is a well-intentioned but uneven romp. The premise—divorcée Helen Carpenter signing up for a grueling wilderness survivalist course—has potential, blending romance, comedy, and adventure. But the film stumbles in its execution, relying too heavily on familiar beats rather than carving out something fresh.

The film’s strongest suit is its adventurous elements. The survivalist course scenes are genuinely engaging, from Helen’s clumsy but determined attempts at wilderness skills to the tension of Hugh’s broken leg. The cinematography captures the rugged beauty of the trail, and the physicality of the actors—particularly Kemper—grounds the film in a way that feels authentic. Wight’s direction is competent, though it lacks the distinctive visual flair that could elevate the material.

Ellie Kemper delivers a performance that balances humor and vulnerability. Her portrayal of Helen Carpenter is relatable, capturing the character’s mix of insecurity and resilience. However, Kemper’s performance is hampered by a script that often reduces Helen to a series of clichés—the awkward divorcee, the fish out of water, the woman in need of a man to complete her.

Luke Grimes as Jake delivers a performance that balances charm with emotional depth, especially in his scenes where he confronts Helen about her ex-husband. The chemistry between Kemper and Grimes is uneven, fluctuating between sweet and forced. Their banter often feels contrived, and the film’s reliance on predictable romantic comedy tropes—like Jake hovering around Helen or the obligatory misunderstanding—undermines the emotional stakes.

The supporting cast adds some levity, particularly Nico Santos as Hugh, whose backstory as an aspiring actor turned insurance salesman is one of the film’s highlights. Blythe Danner’s brief but warm performance as Gigi, Helen’s grandmother, brings a touch of emotional weight to the story. However, many of the other characters—like Windy and Mason—are underdeveloped, serving mostly as plot devices rather than fully realized individuals.

The film’s pacing is another issue. The first half of Happiness for Beginners moves slowly, spending too much time on exposition and setup. While the survivalist course scenes pick up the momentum, the film never quite finds a consistent rhythm. The emotional beats—particularly Helen’s backstory with her late brother Nathan—feel rushed, leaving little room for genuine pathos.

The romance at the heart of Happiness for Beginners is its weakest link. The chemistry between Kemper and Grimes is uneven, fluctuating between sweet and forced. Their banter often feels contrived, and the film’s reliance on predictable romantic comedy tropes—like Jake hovering around Helen or the obligatory misunderstanding—undermines the emotional stakes. The script struggles to balance humor and heart, resulting in moments that feel tonally inconsistent.

The film’s themes of reinvention and self-discovery are well-trodden ground. Happiness for Beginners attempts to explore Helen’s journey towards independence and healing after her divorce, but it often feels superficial. The emotional depth is lacking, and the film’s resolution—where Helen finds happiness through Jake—feels overly simplistic.

In comparison to other recent romantic films, Happiness for Beginners falls short. Films like Past Lives manage to blend genre conventions with originality and depth. Happiness for Beginners, on the other hand, leans too heavily on familiar tropes without adding anything new or compelling.

The film’s target audience is clearly fans of lighthearted romantic comedies. Those looking for a fun, if predictable, escape will find some enjoyment in Happiness for Beginners. However, viewers seeking something more substantial or original may be disappointed. The film lacks the wit and charm of classics like Notting Hill or the emotional depth of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

In the end, Happiness for Beginners is a pleasant but forgettable diversion.