Happiness for Beginners Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Woman goes on a hike to avoid her feelings, but her feelings follow her in the form of a hot doctor with a secret!

🍿 Happiness for Beginners: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Divorce and a Wilderness Adventure

Helen Carpenter, recently divorced, impulsively signs up for a wilderness survival course on the Appalachian Trail. Seeking a fresh start and a chance to rediscover herself, she hopes the challenging experience will help her move forward. Her brother, Duncan, encourages her, unaware of the surprises the trip holds.

Unexpected Company

Much to Helen’s dismay, Duncan’s best friend, Jake, also joins the survival course. Helen finds Jake initially annoying, especially given their shared history and his long-standing presence in her life. Their dynamic is further complicated by the fact that Jake seems determined to be involved in her journey of self-discovery, despite her attempts to keep him at arm’s length.

The Hiking Group

The survival course brings together a diverse group of individuals, each with their own personal struggles and reasons for seeking solace in the wilderness. Led by the young and enthusiastic Beckett, the group faces various challenges and learns essential survival skills, fostering unexpected bonds along the way. Helen finds herself interacting with individuals such as Hugh, Windy, and Mason who each bring different perspectives.

Confronting the Past

As Helen navigates the physical and emotional challenges of the hike, she’s forced to confront her past and the reasons behind her divorce. Jake’s persistent presence prompts her to re-evaluate her relationships and consider the possibility of new beginnings. Flashbacks reveal Jake’s disapproval of Helen’s ex-husband, Mike and his support of Helen from afar over the years.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Helen (Ellie Kemper): A recently divorced woman who joins a wilderness survival course to rediscover herself.
• Jake (Luke Grimes): Helen’s brother’s best friend and a doctor who unexpectedly joins the survival course and has harbored feelings for her for years.
• Hugh (Nico Santos): A former aspiring actor turned insurance salesman who is one of the hikers on the survival course and provides comic relief.
• Gigi (Blythe Danner): Helen and Duncan’s wise grandmother who offers guidance and support.
• Duncan (Ben Cook): Helen’s younger brother who encourages her to join the wilderness course.
• Beckett (Ben Cook): The young and enthusiastic guide leading the wilderness survival course.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Hugh: “Helen, I can honestly say that of everyone in the group, I dislike you the least.” – Hugh attempts to offer a compliment to Helen, showcasing his awkward but well-meaning personality.
• Jake: “I fear you going back to Mike, because he’s not good enough for you.” – Jake reveals his true feelings to Helen, explaining why he’s been so persistent in his attention.
• Gigi: “That trip changed you.” – Gigi observes how Helen has grown and potentially fallen in love during her wilderness experience.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Happiness for Beginners Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed ‘Happiness for Beginners’! It’s the kind of movie that just makes you feel good. I loved watching Helen find herself on the hike and reconnect with her brother. Ellie Kemper was amazing, as always, and Luke Grimes was so charming. The scene where they finally connect at Gigi’s birthday party made my heart melt. It’s a simple story, but it’s told so well.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Ellie Kemper and Luke Grimes”
  • “Viewers who enjoy lighthearted romantic comedies”
  • “Those interested in stories about self-discovery and personal growth”
  • “People who appreciate movies with scenic outdoor settings”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief discussion of grief and loss”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some thematic elements related to divorce”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Kemper and Grimes deliver charming performances, elevating the predictable plot. The stunning scenery of the Appalachian Trail provides a breathtaking backdrop, making it a worthwhile escape despite its flaws. The film’s strength lies in its ability to create an emotionally resonant experience. A good movie to just enjoy.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “While the film treads familiar ground, the chemistry between Kemper and Grimes adds depth to the characters. The focus on personal growth and resilience resonates, making it a feel-good movie. The side characters each add some interest, but are for the most part forgettable.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the stunning scenery and the feel-good message.: Many viewers praised the chemistry between the lead actors and the focus on personal growth.

Overall Consensus: A charming and feel-good movie with strong performances but a predictable plot.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The movie is based on the novel ‘Happiness for Beginners’ by Katherine Center.”
• “Filming took place in Bear Mountain State Park, New York, utilizing the natural beauty of the Appalachian Trail for the hiking scenes.”
• “The poem used in the movie is ‘XVII’ by Pablo Neruda, also known as ‘I Don’t Love You’.”

🖥️ How to Watch Happiness for Beginners?

Happiness for Beginners is currently streaming on Netflix. Check your local Netflix library for availability. Rental or purchase options are typically available on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check these services for current pricing and availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Happiness for Beginners, you might like these similar films:

• Eat Pray Love (2010): Both films center around a woman’s journey of self-discovery after a divorce.
• Wild (2014): Features a woman hiking the Pacific Crest Trail to overcome personal struggles.
• Under the Tuscan Sun (2003): A recently divorced writer buys a villa in Tuscany on a whim, hoping it will lead to a better life.

🛒 Happiness for Beginners Related Products

• Happiness for Beginners: A Novel: The novel that inspired the movie, delving deeper into Helen’s journey of self-discovery and romance. Experience the full story with expanded character development and emotional depth. Discover the humor and heart of this beloved tale.
• Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot: A classic waterproof hiking boot that’s perfect for hitting the trails. Durable, comfortable, and reliable in various weather conditions. Offers excellent traction and support for any outdoor adventure. Step into nature with confidence.
• Positive Affirmations Card Deck: A deck of 52 beautifully illustrated cards with positive affirmations to inspire and uplift you. Perfect for daily motivation, mindfulness, and self-improvement. Bring a little positivity into your life and discover your inner strength.
• The Appalachian Trail: Backcountry Survival Skills: Learn the essential survival skills needed for backcountry hiking on the Appalachian Trail. Includes tips on navigation, first aid, and wilderness safety. Be prepared for any adventure with this comprehensive guide. Explore the great outdoors with confidence.

🎧 Soundtrack

Happiness for Beginners features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Head in the Clouds” – performed by Max Frost

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Top 5 Netflix Romance Movies of 2023

If you’re a fan of ‘Happiness for Beginners’, you might want to check out this video! It ranks the top Netflix romance movies of 2023 and guess what? It’s on the list! I found some of the other movies on the list were just as enjoyable, so it’s worth exploring.

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