Review of Happiness (1998) by Lightsandbulbs — 18 Sep 2022

Undervalued and underrated. A darkly humorous window into the lives of a bunch of people with a connected story all aimlessly searching for happiness in a cruel, hopeless world with a sick sense of humor.

Every performance is incredibly strong, with both Jane Adams and Camryn Manheim feeling especially like real world people. The film's humor is at times blatant, and at other times incredibly clever and subtle, and the drama is balanced very well, and is always appropriately toned.

Rarely does the movie's comedy spoil its more serious parts (except at the end, when the dog... you know). That confession scene between William Maplewood and his son, Billy, is especially well-executed.

Despite how many characters were in the film, every single one felt essential to the movie's message. Each one of them was also fleshed out, and unique. No matter who you are, chances are you'll relate to at least one character in this film.

Let us just hope that it isn't Mr. Maplewood.