'Happy Place' Review | Cinéfest Sudbury 2020

Every now and then you watch a movie that leaves you speechless yet bursting at the seams to tell everyone to watch it. They stay with you for days, weeks, or even months on end. 'Happy Place' is just that movie for me.

Before we get started on my review, I want to offer a heartfelt warning. This movie details the recovery of six women in an in-patient care facility following attempts at self-harm. There are many themes, topics, and circumstances that are discussed in this film (and as such, this review) that may be upsetting to individuals. If you believe that this article/film may be a negative trigger to your mental health, I would recommend reading about how I give Robert Pattinson a chance.

'Happy Place' is adapted from a play by Pamela Mala Sinha (who pulls double duty on this film as the screenwriter and a supporting actor) and is the directorial theatrical film debut of Canadian screen icon, Helen Shaver. The cast is lead by a tremendous performance by Clark Backo as Samira whose character provides our point of view in the film. Samira is the newest patient at the clinic having attempted suicide as a result of the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder caused by a horrific sexual assault. Throughout the movie we understand what brought each of Samira's groupmates to the same place and we explore the perils of the road to recovery, including trauma, survival, and forgiveness.

The supporting cast is strong with commanding performances from Marie-Ève Perron, Mary Walsh, Lisa Repo-Martell, Sheila McCarthy, and Sinha herself. In particular, I loved the chemistry between Backo and Perron as their characters form probably the most intimate friendship of the group. In films like these, it is easy for actors to 'chew the scenery' and act on big emotional moments, which does happen in a very effective manner, but it was the quiet, subtle moments of vulnerability that struck me the most - particularly from Repo-Martell. Not to be forgotten is the performance of Tara Rosling as Louise, the psychiatrist leading the group. It would have been predictable for Louise to simply have been the audience's expositional guide in the film, but Rosling's performance adds a strength and softness that balances the other characters wonderfully.

The themes explored in this movie are heavy, complex and may be personal to you or someone you know. Sinha's script is incredibly raw with the conversations between the women disarmingly honest. The story of Samira is Sinha's own, which I discovered after watching the film and made me appreciate the film as a whole, but especially the script, that much more.

I am far from educated enough on camera work to make a proper analysis on the use of lighting and angles and how they contribute to the story, but one filming choice I noticed was that the camera hung onto the actors' faces during monologues. Many films will alternate between the actor giving the monologue and the actor reacting to the monologue to give the audience a fuller perspective. However, by fixing on the monologuer (not a word), we as the audience become almost uncomfortable, in the same way that we would be if sitting across the table from a someone unabashedly baring their soul. It reminded me of Robert Eggers' camera work in 'The Lighthouse' (2019). I love this technique as it really forces audiences to stay with the character and focus on each word and syllable uttered.

If you haven't noticed, I am a big fan of this movie. It's a beautiful and devastating story, amazing performances all around, and Shaver does not disappoint in her first feature film. That being said, I can't recommend it for everyone. This is not a lighthearted film to escape to for a couple hours. It can be dark and is certainly heavy. It requires its audience to be open, compassionate, and prepared to confront the realities of mental health issues. If you are able, and more importantly, want to engage in the themes mentioned here, you won't regret it. It's an exquisite film that I will definitely watch again.

I originally saw this film through the Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival (virtually of course). 'Happy Place' made its rounds in the Canadian film festival circuit (including, Calgary, Vancouver, Edmonton, and St. John's) and will be available on video on demand starting November 9.