Watch Happiness Runs
- NR
- 2010
- 1 hr 28 min
-
4.8 (714)
Happiness Runs is a coming-of-age drama film that was released in 2010. The movie is directed by Adam Sherman and features an ensemble cast that includes Joni Barth, Kirsten Berman, Mark Boone Junior, and many others. The story revolves around a group of young people who are caught up in a world of drugs, sex, and alternative lifestyles.
The main protagonist of the movie is Victor, played by Mark L. Young. Victor is a young man who has grown up in a communal environment where everyone shares everything, including their partners. Victor becomes disillusioned with this lifestyle and decides to leave with his girlfriend, Julie (played by Hanna Hall). The couple sets out to discover what lies beyond their sheltered upbringing, and their quest for freedom leads them down a dangerous path.
Victor's mother, Kristin (played by Joni Barth), is a free-spirited woman who is more interested in having sex and experimenting with drugs than in being a responsible parent. She has a string of lovers, including a man named Insley (played by Jessie Bradford), who becomes a father figure to Victor. Insley is a drug dealer who has a controlling influence over Kristin and the other members of the commune. He uses his power to keep them in line and prevent them from leaving.
The other residents of the commune include Kirsten Berman (played by Shiloh Fernandez), who is a beautiful girl that catches Victor's eye, and Mark Boone Junior (played by Eddie Hassell), who is a troubled young man who is struggling with mental illness. Kirsten shares a room with her mother, who is also involved in the communal lifestyle. She is a nurturing person who becomes a kind of mother figure to Victor and Julie.
The movie explores the themes of freedom, individuality, and self-discovery. The young people in the commune feel trapped and suffocated by the rules and regulations that govern their lives. They yearn for the freedom to make their own choices and discover their own identities. However, their quest for freedom comes at a price, and they discover that the world beyond the commune is a dangerous and unpredictable place.
The film is shot in a gritty, realistic style that captures the raw emotion and intensity of the characters' experiences. The cinematography is moody and evocative, with stark lighting and introspective camera work. The soundtrack features a mix of indie rock, folk music, and electronic beats that complement the rebellious spirit of the movie.
The performances in the movie are excellent, with the young cast delivering nuanced and powerful performances. Mark L. Young is particularly impressive as the conflicted Victor, who is torn between his desire for freedom and his loyalty to his family. Joni Barth is also memorable as the free-spirited Kristin, who captures the wild and unpredictable nature of her character with aplomb.
Overall, Happiness Runs is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged drama that explores the complex nature of freedom, individuality, and identity. The movie has its flaws, but its raw honesty and realistic portrayal of the commune lifestyle make it worth watching.
Happiness Runs is a 2010 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8 and a MetaScore of 24.