Ellie Kemper, renowned for her lively roles, stars as Helen. Helen portrays an image of resilience despite the turmoil in her personal life. One year post the devastating collapse of her marriage, tainted by betrayal and the unfortunate occurrence of a miscarriage, she staunchly maintains that all is well. The fact that she continues to entertain messages from her ex-husband is evidence of her feigned normalcy. But when Helen decides to challenge herself with a strenuous hike across the scenic Appalachian Mountains that traverse the tri-state region, her true journey of self-discovery begins.
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Helen, a schoolteacher hailing from Pittsburgh, initiates this daring escapade with an eclectic mix of companions. Each individual in this group, as peculiar as they may seem, is on a unique voyage of self-discovery. But just when Helen thinks she might escape her past, life throws her a curveball. Jake, her brother's best friend, portrayed by Luke Grimes, has also signed up for the same adventure. This unexpected presence from her past unearths unresolved issues. But, it also sparks a budding romance, giving Helen a glimpse of a promising future.
Kemper's role in this film significantly differs from her previous light-hearted performance in "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt". However, her earnest performance and captivating screen presence retain their charm, creating a delightful watch even when the storyline flounders.
Helen's self-denial is encapsulated perfectly in a poignant quote from the film: "I'm strong so I don't really notice pain." With this statement, she brushes off her painful blisters, a reflection of her persistent denial of her own struggles.
In adapting Katherine Clark's novel, "Happiness for Beginners", Vicky Wright ensures the viewer's comfort, carefully refraining from burdening them with heavy themes. Unfortunately, this choice leads the film towards a simplistic portrayal of happiness, often resulting in a frustratingly shallow narrative. Despite Kemper's commendable efforts to inject depth into the film, her effervescent charm and Grimes' steady portrayal seem to clash instead of blending together. The raw honesty of the dialogue, devoid of subtext, adds to this disconnect.
Further dampening the mood are the failed attempts at humor, especially those involving the hiking companions. The apparent lack of group cohesion undermines the comedic intent. Each character seems to be operating in a vacuum, anticipating their moment in the limelight. The film's trajectory remains predictable and unsurprising, adhering to the standard rom-com pattern, even with its unique hiking backdrop.
"Happiness for Beginners" mirrors the simplicity and light-hearted spirit of a beach read, a description that can either be interpreted as a critique or a compliment, depending on personal tastes. However, when one evaluates the film within the relaxed standards of a feel-good movie, it should ideally offer something beyond the confines of a predictably cheerful narrative.
