The movie, based on a 2015 novel of the same name by Katherine Center, features some popular romance tropes—grouchy vs. sunshine, enemies to lovers, fish out of water, opposites attract, age-gap romance, and brother's best friend as hero—but it is subtle, not blatant.
The characters are fully realized. Luke Grimes of Yellowstone and Marshals is Jake, a man with an optimism that's ingrained in his personality. He's nice in the best way possible, and everyone likes him.
Ellie Kemper is Helen, a recently divorced 30-something who's standoffish and unhappy in a way that makes you think she probably doesn't know how to be happy.
These two end up on a guided hiking trip in the Appalacians, and Helen isn't happy that Jake, her brother's best friend, has horned in on her vacation.
ABOUT THE FILM
Happiness for Beginners, the novel, was adapted for the 2023 movie and directed by Vicky Wight. The film was released by Netflix on July 27, 2023 and is still streaming on that platform.The movie was produced by Geoff Linville, Vicky Wight, and Barry Meyerowitz with Cinematography by Daniel Vecchione , Film Editing by Suzanne Spangler, and Music by Sherri Chung.
The other cast members are: Nico Santos as Hugh, Blythe Danner as Gigi, Ben Cook as Beckett, Shayvawn Webster as Windy, Julia Shiplett as Sue, Gus Birney as Kaylee, Esteban Benito as Mason, Alexander Koch as Duncan, and Mary Neely as Lulu.
TAKEAWAY TRUTH
The movie didn't fare well with critics, but I've not seen many romance movies that do. I enjoyed it, and I think you might too.
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