Watch Relative Happiness

Relative Happiness is a 2014 romantic comedy directed by Deanne Foley and starring Melissa Bergland, Aaron Poole, and Johnathan Sousa. The film premiered at the Atlantic Film Festival and was later released in theaters in Canada and the United States. The movie follows the life of Lexie Ivy (Melissa Bergland), a plus-sized woman who works as a pastry chef in a small fishing village in Nova Scotia. Despite the constant pressure from her family to settle down and find a husband, Lexie is content with her life and enjoys the freedom of being single.

When Lexie's younger sister, Caroline (Amanda LeBlanc), announces her engagement to a man she just met, Lexie is forced to confront her own fears and insecurities about relationships. As the maid of honor, Lexie must navigate the wedding planning process and deal with her own complicated feelings towards the best man, Ian (Aaron Poole).

Ian is a charming and attractive man who shares Lexie's love for food and is always there to lend a helping hand. However, he is also dealing with his own personal demons, including a recent divorce and a strained relationship with his teenage daughter, Tess (Naomi Snieckus).

As Lexie and Ian work together to plan the wedding, they begin to develop feelings for each other, but Lexie's fear of commitment and Ian's emotional baggage threaten to derail their budding romance. With the wedding fast approaching, Lexie must decide whether to take a chance on love or continue to hide behind her fears and insecurities.

Relative Happiness is a heartwarming and relatable romantic comedy that explores the themes of self-love, acceptance, and the importance of taking risks in order to find happiness. The film is a refreshing departure from the traditional romantic comedies that often rely on cliched tropes and unrealistic expectations.

One of the film's strengths is its memorable characters, who are all flawed and complex in their own unique ways. Melissa Bergland delivers a standout performance as Lexie, bringing both humor and vulnerability to the role. Aaron Poole is also excellent as Ian, portraying the character's emotional turmoil with sensitivity and nuance.

The film's stunning coastal setting is another standout feature, with its picturesque scenery and quaint fishing village adding to the film's charm and aesthetic appeal. The soundtrack, featuring folk music and indie rock, also adds to the film's overall ambiance and tone.

One of the film's major themes is the idea that true happiness comes from within and cannot be found in external sources such as relationships, material possessions, or societal expectations. The film encourages viewers to embrace their individuality and to pursue their passions and goals without fear of judgment or failure.

Overall, Relative Happiness is a charming and uplifting romantic comedy that will leave viewers feeling inspired and empowered. With its strong performances, relatable themes, and beautiful setting, the film is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a good love story.

Relative Happiness is a 2016 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.