Happy End is a film about family relationships, upper-class problems and the refugee crisis. Set in the beautiful Calais, we witness an inmate look at this extended family and the issues they face with their relationships and construction business.

 

With plenty of family members to drive the film forward, we learn enough about each character enough to understand the dynamic. Happy End isn’t a film which is going to lay it all out for you, it’s a film you have to chew before you digest.

 

The long still shots allow an oppourtunity to form opinions on these characters that Haneke has created. He doesn’t hold back in demonstrating all kinds of human weakness and imperfections, which makes this film a little too real.

 

While there are long drawn out scenes, it’s a film you’ll want to pay attention to, there are small moments which are such a delight, and others which are uncomfortable to watch.

 

Happy End is a wonderful watch, even if only to make you feel slightly better about your own messed up family.