REVIEW: ‘Happiness For Beginners’ Focuses on Finding Yourself Rather Than Finding Love

Based on the book by Katherine Center, Happiness For Beginners follows the recently divorced, Helen (Ellie Kemper), who is ready to restart her life. To do this, Helen sets out on a guided survivalist course in the Appalachian Mountains. Joining Helen on this trip are a set of hikers who are also attempting to find themselves, including Helen’s brother’s best friend, Jake (Luke Grimes). As Helen makes her way along the trail, she is forced to look inside herself and take a hard look at her relationship with herself and others as she is tested in ways she has never seen before.

I wouldn’t exactly classify this movie as a romance. Happiness For Beginners is all about Helen’s journey to re-finding herself. The romance takes a major backseat. Almost to the point where I was wondering if there was going to be enough chemistry build up between Kemper’s Helen and Grimes’ Jake, but there ended up being just the right amount. However, don’t let the lack of romance deter you from tuning in. Director Vicky Wight, who also wrote the screenplay, showcases Helen’s journey beautifully. Instead of diving into the nitty gritty of Helen’s soul-searching journey, she merely glosses over it. Only highlighting the important parts. As someone who has never read the book, I am not sure if this is how it is told in the book, but, from a pacing point of view, it worked for this movie.

Kemper is great as Helen. Her cheerful demeanor will make you fall in love with her character, while the scenery will make you want to become a hiker. Grimes’ is delightful as Helen’s love interest Jake, but I wish there had been more development with his character. His character, and their storyline, could have been left out of the entire movie and nothing would have really changed. I understand why they didn’t, but with a little more meat to the character would have been nice. Nico Santos plays Helen’s fellow survival course attendee, Hugh and may be the best part of the movie. From his facial expressions to his line delivery, he will have you laughing from start to finish.

Happiness For Beginners is an enjoyable, lighthearted movie. If you are looking for something to watch this weekend that will make you feel good, this is it. Is it the best romance movie, or soul-searching movie out there, no. But it does a nice job making you forget about your life, if only for a 1 hour and 44 minutes.

Grade: B