Movie Review: "Happiness for Beginners"

 

Happiness for Beginners

🎬Movie Title: "Happiness for Beginners" 

📅Release Year: 2023

🎥Director: Vicky Wight

🎭Genre: Romantic Dramedy

🤩My Rating: 5/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cast of Characters:

• American actress and comedian Ellie Claire Kemper is the lead character of the movie as Helen Carpenter, a teacher 

• American actor and musician Luke Timothy Grimes as Jake, the best friend of Helen's younger brother, Duncan.

• American actress and mother of Gwyneth Paltrow, Blythe Katherine Danner, as Gigi, the grandmother who raised Helen and Duncan. 

• American actor Alexander Koch as Duncan, Helen's younger brother.

• American actor, singer, and dancer Ben Cook as Beckett, the hiking team leader.

• Filipino-American actor Nico Santos as Hugh, an aspiring actor turned Insurance salesman. 

• American actor Esteban Benito as Mason, the Wall Street hiker.

The Story Plot: 

Looking to hit the reset button on her life after a painful divorce, Helen Carpenter is persuaded by her younger brother, Duncan, to sign up for a beginner's survival course. 

As the group navigates the trail's physical challenges, their shared experiences help them bond and reveal that each member carries a hidden motive for this journey of self-discovery. Helen soon uncovers a life-changing secret and discovers the true meaning of happiness along the way. 

What is that secret? You will have to watch the movie to find out.

Movie Theme:

Based on the 2015 contemporary romance and adventure fiction novel by American author Katherine Center, Happiness for Beginners was adapted for the screen and directed by Vicky Wight. 

This charming romantic comedy follows Helen and Jake—fictional characters whose on-screen chemistry anchors the film.

Recommendations:

Happiness for Beginners is a lighthearted, feel-good ensemble film where every supporting character brings an engaging backstory that beautifully intersects with our main leads, Helen and Jake.

If you are looking for a heartwarming watch, I highly recommend checking it out while it's still streaming on Netflix.

Poem: " I do not love you" - from Neruda's XVII

The poem Jake gives to Helen in the movie.

Note: 

I researched and compiled some facts, then added my interpretation to this Movie Review.