This low-key ensemble hiking tale matches its forest setting -- attractive but never stunning, pleasant but not extraordinary.
Happiness for Beginners is such an enticing title, and indeed its characters are mostly young (or young-ish) adults trying to overcome life's obstacles. Some of those obstacles are weightier than others, and the film's handling of darker issues -- like death, disease, divorce, and relationships -- could come across as slightly superficial. Topics feel managed to keep the overall tone upbeat.
In that sense, the film is neither pure comedy nor pure drama, and it never quite hits any real comedic or dramatic highs (Nico Santos' humorous turn gets the most laughs). Still, it's a well-acted and agreeable watch.
Read the full review at Common Sense Media.
Images courtesy of Netflix.