Cast
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Kerry Bishé
as Janet
Joel McHale
as Tom
Al Madrigal
as Arthur
Natalie Zea
as Karen
Paul Scheer
as Val
Stephen Root
as Goodman
Natalie Morales
as Patricia
Jon Daly
as Donald
Kirby Howell-Baptiste
as Maude
Shannon Woodward
as Carla
Charlyne Yi
as Gretel
Breckin Meyer
as Richard
Billie Wolff
as Waitress
Brea Grant
as Cashier
Crew
Director
- BenDavid Grabinski
Producer
- Nancy Leopardi
- Ross Kohn
- BenDavid Grabinski
- Jack Black
- Spencer Berman
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, Happily explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.
Director BenDavid Grabinski brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Happily took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 153 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1458 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Happily shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike No More School, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Happily offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Not Without My Daughter and Metropolis explore similar territory, Happily stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 19, 2021
- Runtime: 1h 36m
