A couple gets strange and not so friendly advice in Happily, the feature debut of writer/director BenDavid Grabinski.
Tom and Janet are a happy couple. Unusually happy according to their friends and a mysterious stranger who shows up at their house, and they recommend Tom and Janet come down to everyone else’s level. The stranger even comes bearing an injection that will do just that, but Janet puts a violent end to that. Hiding out from their crime at a couples’ trip, they attempt to act like everything is normal, but it quickly becomes clear that nothing will be the same again.
This genre blend will be a lot to handle for greenhorn Grabinski, who will have to balance crime, romantic comedy, and possibly some science fiction elements to make this strange take on relationships work. And since he wrote it himself, there’s no one to hide behind if this all goes off the rails.
At least he’s got a solid cast of experienced actors to help this thing along. Joel McHale as Tom is probably the biggest name, but his onscreen partner Kerry Bishé has a ton of roles under her belt as well, as does the extensive support cast that includes Stephen Root, Natalie Morales, Natalie Zea, Paul Scheer, Shannon Woodward, and Charlyne Yi.
It’s an odd premise, to be sure, but if it all clicks this could be something special.
Happily is directed by BenDavid Grabinski and stars Joel McHale and Kerry Bishé. It will be released in the US in theaters and on-demand on March 19th. Further release dates are not currently known.
Will you check this one out? Let us know in the comments!
Does content like this matter to you?
Become a Member and support film journalism. Unlock access to all of Film Inquiry`s great articles. Join a community of like-minded readers who are passionate about cinema - get access to our private members Network, give back to independent filmmakers, and more.