Happiness

Happiness

Year: 1998

Runtime: 134 min

Language: Russian

Director: Todd Solondz

DramaComedy

Several disparate individuals, each grappling with loneliness and unusual desires, find their lives unexpectedly intertwined. Their individual journeys to find connection and belonging lead to both humorous and heartbreaking encounters, revealing the blurry boundaries between love, eccentricity, and the search for genuine human connection. The film explores the complexities of relationships and the sometimes-unconventional paths people take in their quest for happiness.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Happiness yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Happiness (1998)

Trace every key event in Happiness (1998) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Joy Ends Toxic Relationship

Joy, the youngest sister, decides to end a harmful relationship, seeking a new beginning in her life. This crucial decision sets off a chain of events that significantly impacts her journey and the lives of those around her.

2

Ex's Tragic Decision

Following the breakup, Joy's ex-boyfriend experiences a devastating emotional response. Just days later, he makes the tragic choice to take his own life, leaving Joy in shock and grappling with guilt.

3

Joy's New Job

In an attempt to find purpose, Joy takes a position at a refugee education center. This new job is meant to help her contribute positively to society, but it soon leads to unexpected challenges.

Refugee Education Center
4

Conflict with Students

Joy faces immediate backlash from her students, who resent her for crossing the picket line during a teachers' strike. This conflict intensifies her feelings of alienation and frustration in her new role.

Refugee Education Center
5

Betrayal by a Student

One student initially shows kindness to Joy, only to betray her trust later. This student seduces Joy and then robs her, demanding $1,000, illustrating the harsh realities of Joy's new environment.

6

Trish's Facade

Trish, Joy’s middle sister, appears to lead a perfect life as a married housewife. However, her dismissive remarks towards Joy reveal the family's low expectations and adds a layer of tension to their relationship.

7

Bill's Troubling Behavior

Trish's husband, Bill, a therapist, displays deeply troubling urges and instructs their son on inappropriate subjects. His unsettling behavior raises alarms about his moral integrity and sets him on a dark path.

Family Home
8

Horrific Act at Sleepover

Bill's obsession culminates during a sleepover when he drugs the family of his son's friend, Johnny. This horrific action leads to dire consequences and reveals the depth of Bill's depravity.

Sleepover Location
9

Helen's Superficiality

Helen, the eldest sister, embodies self-absorption as an author grappling with the superficiality of her work. Her hunger for a true understanding of sexual violence leads her into complex emotional territory.

10

Awkward Encounter with Allen

Helen encounters her neighbor Allen, who struggles with inappropriate behavior including making obscene phone calls. Their awkward interaction underscores both characters' isolation and discomfort.

Apartment Complex
11

Kristina's Dark Past

On a date with Allen, Kristina shares her traumatic history of assault and her violent retribution against her attacker. This unsettling revelation adds complexity to her character and reflects themes of trauma.

12

Parents' Discontent

Joy's parents are portrayed as emotionally discontented, with her father attempting infidelity. This highlights the familial dysfunction that permeates the sisters' lives and complicates their relationships.

Family Home
13

Tense Family Dinner

The film reaches a climax during a tense family dinner where Joy faces sustained condescension from her family. This moment symbolizes the overarching struggles she faces for acceptance and love.

Family Home
14

Trish's Son's Achievement

In a surprising turn, Trish's son celebrates his personal success on the balcony during the family dinner. His jubilant shout of 'I came!' juxtaposes the heavier themes of the film and introduces a moment of unexpected joy.

Family Home Balcony
15

Thematic Tapestry of Dysfunction

Through intertwined narratives, *Happiness* reveals a vivid tapestry of despair and longing for connection. Each sister's story showcases the deep dysfunction of their family, exploring the complexities of human relationships.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 22:49

Unlock the Full Story of Happiness

Don't stop at just watching — explore Happiness in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Happiness is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Happiness Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Happiness, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Happiness Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Happiness

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Happiness. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Happiness

More About Happiness

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Happiness: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Happiness

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