Watch Happy Anniversary
- 2019
- 13 min
Happy Anniversary is a romantic comedy movie that was released on March 30, 2018. It is directed by Jared Stern and stars Ben Schwartz and Noël Wells, who also co-wrote the screenplay. The movie is produced by Netflix and has a runtime of approximately 1 hour and 18 minutes. The story revolves around the relationship of Sam (Ben Schwartz) and Mollie (Noël Wells), a couple who have been in a romantic relationship for three years. The movie starts with their third-anniversary celebration where they exchange gifts and talk about their future, until they have a fight that makes them question their relationship. As the movie progresses, the audience gets to see the ups and downs of their relationship and how their love story unfolds.
Sam, an aspiring writer, and Mollie, a struggling actress, are both struggling to pursue their dreams, and their relationship becomes strained because of it. Sam is not happy with the fact that Mollie has given up on her acting career and is working at a retail store to make ends meet. On the other hand, Mollie is deeply unhappy with the fact that Sam has not made any significant progress in his writing career.
The movie takes a deeper dive into the couple's past and how they met, which involves a story about a broken condom that brought them together. There are also flashbacks to previous anniversaries and other significant events in their lives, such as their first date, that give viewers a glimpse into their relationship.
Happy Anniversary is essentially a movie about love and relationships in a modern world. It explores the challenges and complexities that come with being in a long-term relationship, the struggles of pursuing creative careers, and the importance of understanding and supporting your partner's dreams.
The movie's plot is driven by the lead characters' conversations, which is reminiscent of Richard Linklater's Before Sunrise trilogy. The dialogue is witty, natural and often laced with pop culture references that make the conversations relatable and fun to watch. There are several moments in the movie that are genuinely touching, as well as some humorous moments that will make you laugh out loud.
The movie's production design is minimalistic, which makes sense as most of the story takes place in Sam and Mollie's apartment. The filmmakers have used clever camera movements and different angles to keep the audience engaged in the story.
Ben Schwartz and Noël Wells deliver excellent performances as Sam and Mollie. They have a great on-screen chemistry, and their performances are raw and believable. The movie does not have any other significant characters, so it's a testament to their acting that they hold the audience's attention throughout the movie.
One of the main themes of the movie is the idea of compromise in a relationship. Both Sam and Mollie are struggling with their careers, and their dreams seem to be at odds with each other. The movie explores the idea that sometimes in a relationship, you have to put your own dreams on hold to support your partner's. It's a realistic portrayal of modern relationships and the decisions that couples have to make to keep their relationship strong.
Overall, Happy Anniversary is a well-executed romantic comedy that's worth watching. It's a delightful movie that explores the dynamics of romantic relationships. The movie's central theme of love overcoming struggles and obstacles is relatable, and the witty dialogues and excellent performances make it an enjoyable watch.