What’s So Bad About Feeling Good?

A former advertising executive turned cynical Beatnik–Bohemian, Pete initially ferries a reckless nihilism that the loft exudes. The virus jolts him into a renewed sense of purpose, triggering a plan to spread happiness by manipulating others. His arc explores the tension between authentic transformation and self-serving manipulation.

Pete's girlfriend, initially horrified by his change, becomes an unlikely catalyst for change as she encounters the virus firsthand. Immune yet influenced by others' kindness, she contemplates a more conventional life and ultimately helps both Pete and Amigo escape danger. Her loyalty and compassion anchor the film’s emotional core.

A government official sent to contain the outbreak, he arrives in an exaggerated space-helmeted guise, symbolizing a clash between science and spectacle. He represents the state's interest in preserving the economy while navigating public health concerns. His actions propel the conflict between containment and cure.

A city leader reacting to the chaos of the outbreak, he embodies political pressure and bureaucratic response. His presence frames the urban stakes of a city trying to function while happiness spreads. He serves as a counterbalance to the counterculture’s autonomy.

A police sergeant involved in enforcing order as the virus disrupts normal life. He embodies the tension between public safety and a city trying to adapt to rapid social change. His interactions reveal how institutions respond to an eerily pleasant crisis.

A captain who embodies authority and procedural caution in the city’s response to the outbreak. He represents the practical, on-the-ground dimension of crisis management. His presence emphasizes the everyday duties that adapt under extraordinary circumstances.

A member of the social circle around the loft, she contributes to the crew’s lively dynamic. Her reactions help illustrate how different personalities respond to sudden societal shifts. She embodies the ensemble nature of the counterculture group.