Film Overview"Happy End" is a 2017 psychological drama film composed and directed by Michael Haneke. The movie made its international launching at the Cannes Film Festival in the same year. The movie is embeded in Calais, among the wealthier locations in France, and centers on the bourgeoisie Laurent household. The film is renowned for its satire of the social disparities manifested in the lives of the Laurent family and the refugees struggling for survival in Calais.
Plot SummaryThe movie begins with a cold and removed social networks live-stream by Ève Laurent, a 13-year-old lady, of her mom on the restroom flooring, medicated to the point of near-death. After the hospitalization of her mom, Éve relocations in with her dad Thomas, his partner Anais, their baby son Thomas Jr., and her aunt Anne and Pierre, Thomas' half-siblings.
Living in the Laurent's classy family mansion, Ève senses she is an outsider in numerous aspects. She spends her time concealed in her space, conducting passive security of daily family life through her phone. Intermittently, she seems eager to establish a connection with her distant dad.
Anne Laurent runs the family's well-established building and construction company, which is significantly bogged down in mayhem due to an on-site mishap, leading to an investigation. On the other hand, her uninspired boy Pierre feels cast aside both in business decisions and the family dynamics.
Characters and ThemesAlthough "Happy End" casts a satirical look at the lives of the upper-class household, the characters are well-rounded and engaging. Thomas, in spite of being an effective cosmetic surgeon, is shown carrying out an illegal online affair. Anne attempts to manage the business crisis and negotiate her relationship with her unpredictable son, Pierre. Pierre, led by regret and rebellion, welcomes a group of refugees to a luxurious household dinner, creating a sense of unease and uncomfortableness amongst the relative.
A considerable theme of the movie is social networks, with Ève's live-stream and Thomas' online affair sprinkled through the narrative lending a sense of invasiveness and detachment simultaneously. Another major style is the plain contrast between the Laurent household's desperate efforts to keep up the facade of a smooth life versus the daily battles of the migrants at Calais.
EndingThe climax of the movie unfolds on Anne's engagement party when Pierre breaks up the celebratory state of mind by showing a reenactment video of the building website mishap. This action causes a confrontation between the relative and the climax where Ève pushes her grandpa Georges, who has been singing about his desire to pass away, off the balcony and into the sea. The movie concludes on an ambiguous note leaving the audience considering over the fate of the Laurent family.
Conclusion"Happy End" is a parable of contemporary societal issues. It showcases the irony of the fortunate and socially removed lives of the upper-class versus the backdrop of Europe's growing refugee crisis. The film is applauded for its raw portrayal of an inefficient household and the mindful balance in between the amusing and harsh truths of life. With its non-traditional storytelling and compelling narrative, it reflects Haneke's signature design of thought-provoking movie theater.
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