Review of Welcome to Happiness (2016) by Marti M — 26 May 2016

Two summers ago I had the opportunity to help on set for a feature film I knew nothing about. My boyfriend at the time (and good friend to this day) is close friends with the producer, Bay Dariz, and the Writer/Director, Oliver Thompson. I remember very distinctly the day we arrived at Joshua Tree; one of the film's shooting locations. At the time I was still very new to LA, and didn't have a lot of friends. I remember how self-conscious and nervous I was.... and then the comforting realization that I had absolutely no reason to be. Every person I met that weekend was kind, warm, and inviting, and I immediately felt at home.

That's exactly what watching 'Welcome to Happiness' feels like. From the moment Woody Ward (played brilliantly by Kyle Gallner) invites you into his apartment, you just feel... safe. In minutes, you're reminded that whatever it is you're going through, be it big or small, is going to be okay. The screenplay is beautiful; conversational and relatable, which a touch of the absurd to make you feel as if you actually are in a Children's story, where anything is possible. What compliments the screenplay perfectly is Justin Talley's cinematography. Do you remember that feeling you got as a kid, every time you opened up a new picture book? Even if you couldn't read, the pictures told the story for you, making you feel as if you could dive right into the story's beautiful illustrations. That's how watching this movie feels. Accompanied by heartfelt music by Peter LeClair, I felt that same excitement I felt as a nine-year-old, before fear, doubt, and life-experience took its toll... as if happiness really could always be possible.

Featuring a remarkably strong ensemble cast, every performance in this movie is honest, touching, and believable. You feel as if you really know these people, and lucky for me, I actually had the opportunity to meet and get to know quite a few of them. The performances match the people these actors truly are, which is what makes this movie so undeniably touching. You can actually feel the love that went into making this film, from everyone involved: the cast, the crew, even the owner of the (quite-talented) cat who was featured regularly throughout the movie. When beautiful people create from their hearts, love is the result. And there's simply no way you can't feel it.

At the end of the movie, as the credits began to roll, I was once again reminded of the way I felt two years ago, when happiness was a wish instead of reality. That weekend where I found myself lugging ice and serving chips in the desert for a film called "Welcome to Happiness," where I was reminded that beautiful people exist, and I had a lot to be grateful for. Whether you are a bit lost, like I was, or currently happy with your life, this movie will only make you feel better.

And also... don't worry.

Happiness is everywhere.