Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Happy Face’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Happy Face’.
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Something that is truly fascinating about stories that revolve around trauma and loss, is that they often present the road to recovery from life changing events and unfortunate realities, in supremely black and white and downright simplistic terms, and it is understandable as to why. Because by watering down the recovery process into a ‘suffering’ phase and a ‘bold recovery’ phase, the storyteller in question is able to present their audience with an inspiring tale. One that reminds them that they can overcome anything when they put their minds to it. And while that does indeed make for uplifting storytelling, the kind that can give us solace in the midst of difficult times, the problem inherent with that particular storytelling decision, is that it is supremely unrealistic.
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Because in the real world, recovering from our troubles isn’t easy in the slightest. In fact, for some people, getting back to sunshine and rainbows is seemingly impossible. For the pain that courses through their veins is powerful to say the least, and it might take them a lifetime to remove themselves from what ails them, and this too lends credence as to why stories tend to portray the road back in a positive manner. After all, audiences and readers flock to stories to escape the troubles of everyday life. But it is okay from time to time to present a story to an audience that holds nothing back in its examination of the difficulties of recovering from some kind of trauma or life changing event. Because audiences are smart and they’re okay with a dose of truth here and there and recently, this reviewer had the distinct pleasure of watching a film that does indeed present the road to recovery in a dynamic and bold light in Happy Face.

Now in this particular film we are introduced to a young man named Stan who is at quite the crossroads in his life. For his beloved mother, whom he adores, is going through a difficult time. Because she’s been diagnosed with cancer and seemingly cannot shake its grasp, and that also means that she is going to go through some tough surgeries. The kind that will change her appearance and that motivates Stan to do something quite bold and join a support group for facially different people, in order to prepare himself for his mother’s return home from the hospital. But in order to be a part of this group, Stan is going to have to disguise himself, which is a risky decision for certain. Because it is only a matter of time before the group realizes that Stan is not what he seems, and when that day comes, he will have to figure out a way to offer some kind of contribution to the group and what he has floating about in the back of his mind in regard to that… might cause more harm than good. 

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So, make no mistake about it, this is a raw and angry and visceral film. One that genuinely shows us how hard it is to come back from major life changing events and trauma, since everyone in Stan’s group, struggles to let go of their past and the stigma surrounding their respective differences and that allows for some powerful and uncomfortable storytelling to take place. The kind that acknowledges how cruel people can be when they see someone different out in public and also how desperate we are to escape our pain when it is overwhelming. Something that is handled by Stan’s journey in this tale and really, this movie deserves all kinds of praise for presenting all of these elements in such a bold manner. Because it really does offer up a slice a life, and for a brief moment there, a sense of hopelessness. Since it appears as though none of these characters are going to overcome their troubles in the slightest.
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But that is what makes this movie so incredibly worth your while. Because by being plunged into the lives of these characters and seeing that they are capable of more, you’re rooting for them every step of the way and that’s when the movie surprises the audience with some uplifting and realistic lessons on how we should deal with our trauma. Because Stan’s bold plan for everyone to face their fears and concerns and pain in a brutally honest manner, reminds us that we have to look at our problems objectively. So that we see the root causes of our issues and when we do that, we can properly tackle them and confront them and eventually overcome them. Which leads to some wonderful moments as we watch this group begin to do just that, and finally start to move forward in life. But truly, the finest message that this movie sends our way… is that also reminds us to be kind and support one another whenever we get the chance. 

Because we simply don’t understand other people’s struggles, and how hard it is to go through tough times alone. But if we take a moment to treat people with respect and kindness and offer a helping hand in any capacity, that too can help people to overcome their struggles. Because such an act reminds us that we are a part of something special, and that we don’t have to do this alone and really, in the end, all of these elements make this a brilliant and magnificent motion picture. Because it really is bold and brave in its presentation of trauma and pain and it holds nothing back, and that makes for a refreshing story for certain. One that stays with the viewer long after the film has come to an end, simply because this movie really does prompt the viewer to reflect upon their own life experiences and ponder upon whether or not they’ve done enough to let their own dark passengers go.

'Happy Face’ is available to watch now, On Demand.

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