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Happiness Sucks

Name: Happiness Sucks
Director: Anca Miruna Lazarescu
Released: 2019
Duration: 96 min

Representation Score

6.4/10

Good

2019

Director

Anca Miruna Lazarescu

Runtime

96 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Happiness Sucks offers a complex look at family dysfunction through the lens of neurodivergence and chronic illness. By centering the ability to act of its female protagonists, the film avoids the cliché of women as passive characters. The narrative succeeds in making disability a primary driver of the plot, treating the characters' physical and neurological struggles with nuance. This approach moves beyond simple melodrama to explore the psychological toll of these conditions. While the film touches on gender non-conformity, it remains somewhat ambiguous regarding broader queer identities. The lack of information on racial diversity also limits a complete picture of the film's scope.

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Category Breakdown

Does Happiness Sucks have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film explores gender non-conformity through Jessica, who is frequently perceived as male. This introduces social friction regarding identity, though the narrative lacks explicit confirmation of specific sexual orientations.

How does Happiness Sucks portray gender?

Good

The story centers the roles of the female protagonists, who drive the plot through their own desperate plans rather than following paternal guidance.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Happiness Sucks?

Minimal

There is no information available regarding the racial or ethnic composition of the cast or the setting. Consequently, no assessment can be made.

How does Happiness Sucks represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative deconstructs the idealized family by prioritizing situational ethics over traditional frameworks. The characters' reliance on unconventional rituals suggests a departure from conventional Western family values.

Does Happiness Sucks include disability representation?

Good

Disability is a central pillar of the film, focusing on both neurological ticks and chronic illness. These conditions drive the characters' motivations rather than serving as mere tools for pity.

Present on Screen

Provides a significant role in driving the story to characters navigating neurodivergence and chronic illness.
Centers female protagonists who drive the plot through their own desperate plans.
Explores nuanced social friction through gender non-conformity.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit confirmation of romantic or sexual orientations for queer representation.
Provides no information regarding racial or ethnic diversity within the cast.

Official Synopsis

Stefan Gabriel is an active father always looking at life positively. While he tries to give back to society, his daughters Jessica (12) and Sabrina (15) struggle with their own problems. Jessica is often mistaken for a boy and has to deal with her many ticks. She would happily swap places with Sabrina, who, despite her illness, appears to have her life completely under control. But the more Sabrina’s health worsens, the worse Jessica’s ticks become. The girls need a plan and fast. They come across a special ritual in an old book, which could be their rescue. But the girls first have to find a boy to sleep with Sabrina. They don’t have much time left and Jessica puts all she has got into implementing the life-saving plan, no matter how crazy it may be.

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