Watch Happy Here and now
- R
- 2002
- 1 hr 29 min
-
5.3 (367)
Happy Here and Now is a 2002 drama film written and directed by Michael Almereyda. The film stars Karl Geary, Shalom Harlow, and Clarence Williams III. The plot revolves around Amelia (Shalom Harlow), a young woman who travels to New Orleans to locate her missing sister, who was involved in a car accident that resulted in memory loss. With the help of her brother-in-law Neal (Clarence Williams III) and a taxi driver named Bill (Karl Geary), Amelia embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her sister's mysterious disappearance.
The film is set in post-Katrina New Orleans and explores themes of memory, identity, and loss. The story unfolds through a nonlinear narrative, with flashbacks and dream sequences taking the place of traditional exposition.
Karl Geary is compelling as Bill, the introspective cab driver who becomes Amelia's ally in her search for her sister. Geary brings depth and nuance to the character, imbuing him with a mix of vulnerability and strength. Shalom Harlow delivers a riveting performance as Amelia, capturing the character's desperation and determination as she tries to unravel the mystery of her sister's disappearance.
Clarence Williams III is also excellent as Neal, the tragic figure who is trying to piece his life back together after losing his wife in the car accident that also affected Amelia's sister. Williams brings a quiet intensity to the role, conveying the character's grief and guilt with subtlety and grace.
The film's visual style is another highlight, with Almereyda employing a range of techniques to create a dreamlike, almost otherworldly atmosphere. The use of digital cameras and post-production effects give the film a distinctive look, with saturated colors and distorted images contributing to the sense of disorientation and unease.
Overall, Happy Here and Now is a haunting and thought-provoking film that explores complex themes with intelligence and sensitivity. It is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking, showcasing the talents of its cast and director in equal measure. Anyone looking for a challenging and unconventional drama should definitely give this one a try.
Happy Here and now is a 2002 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3 and a MetaScore of 60.