RATING★ 6.0
WORTH IT? MAYBE
Aren't You Happy? backdrop
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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for Aren't You Happy?.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is Aren't You Happy? Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2019)

A girl roams through the city looking for a place to sleep. Along the way she meets young mothers who celebrate motherhood religiously, goes home with an abstinent existentialist for whom sex is “just another market”, and waits for the end of capitalism in a drag bar. Her attempt to write a book doesn’t make it beyond the first sentence of the second chapter, and she finds no space between art galleries, yoga studios and the beds of strangers. Instead of trying to fit in, she starts regarding her depression as a political issue.

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✨ The Quick Verdict

ONE-TIME WATCH

If you are a fan of Drama, Comedy cinema, then Aren't You Happy? offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2019 landscape.

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👥 Target Audience

Fans of Drama films
Fans of Comedy films

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2019, Aren't You Happy? represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama, Comedy category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into A girl roams through the city looking for a place to sleep. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, Comedy are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "A girl roams through the city looking for a place to sleep. Along the way she meets young mothers who celebrate motherhood religiously, goes home with an abstinent existentialist for whom sex is “just another market”, and waits for the end of capitalism in a drag bar. Her attempt to write a book doesn’t make it beyond the first sentence of the second chapter, and she finds no space between art galleries, yoga studios and the beds of strangers. Instead of trying to fit in, she starts regarding her depression as a political issue."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. While the script occasionally leans into familiar territory, the efforts of Marie Rathscheck ensure that the emotional beats of Aren't You Happy? always land with sufficient weight. Marie Rathscheck provides a steady, reliable performance that anchors the film through its narrative shifts.

The direction by Susanne Heinrich is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 80 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Aren't You Happy? truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, Comedy, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Aren't You Happy? explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2019 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Susanne Heinrich respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Aren't You Happy? serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Marie Rathscheck or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Aren't You Happy? is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: RECOMMENDED - QUALITY CINEMA

⏳ Time Investment

80MIN

At approximately 1.3 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.

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