H Is for Happiness

Set against a vibrant and colorful backdrop, the 2019 Australian family film, H Is for Happiness, is an adaptation of the award-winning book My Life as an Alphabet by Barry Jonsberg. The heartwarming film brings to life the eccentric and endearingly optimistic world of Candice Phee (played by Daisy Axon), a 12-year-old girl with a unique outlook on life and an unwavering quest for her own happiness and that of those around her.

Helmed by director John Sheedy, known for his work in Australian theatre, opera, and films, the whimsical mise en scene of the film unravels in the idyllic coastal suburb of Albany, Western Australia, where Candice's journey unfolds. From the outset, H Is for Happiness invites viewers on a magical exploration of love, friendship, family, and the power of hope from the vantage point of an indulgently idealistic preteen.

Bearing a hard-to-ignore infectious optimism, Candice Phee uncompromisingly refutes the distressing realities of her world. She combats the bleakness related to her family dynamics – a depressed father (played by Richard Roxburgh) still grappling with a failed business venture, a lovelessly contentious relationship with a high-strung mother (played by Emma Booth), and the loss of a baby sister - with a magical blend of relentless positivity and spirited imagination.

Central to the narrative is Candice's school project where she is assigned to 'describe her life' using a word that starts with each letter of the alphabet. This assignment, assigned by her empathetic teacher, Miss Bamford (played by Miriam Margolyes), leads Candice in her attempt to mend her family's broken spirit while forming a unique friendship with the new student, Douglas Benson (played by Wesley Patten), who claims to be from another dimension.

The ensemble cast delivers a commendably memorable performance. Led by the radiant Daisy Axon, who embodies Candice's endearing quirks and innocence with supreme grace and believability, one can't help but get pulled into the charm of her world and her undying spirit to resurrect happiness within it. Equally captivating in their performances are Alessandra Tognini, who plays Candice's rich yet complicated best friend Jen, Wesley Patten, whose portrayal of Douglas Benson is successfully peculiar and mysterious, and Emma Booth and Richard Roxburgh, whose nuanced performances beautifully capture their quietly suffering characters.

The film shines in its visual storytelling as well. The colors throughout H Is for Happiness pop in a way that feels almost surreal, a testament to the film's production design and the cinematography by Bonnie Elliot. The whimsy of Candice's world is further enhanced by the music of composer Nerida Tyson-Chew, whose score oscillates between gentle piano melodies to lighter, whimsical tunes, perfect for this tale.

The screenplay penned by writer and actress Lisa Hoppe balances the film's narrative arc proportional to its intended audiences. She successfully weaves a hearty blend of comedy, drama, and fantasy that resonates with both young and adult viewers, exploring serious themes of grief, depression, and interpersonal conflict through a lens of warmth, humor, and an other-worldly imagination.

H Is for Happiness is not just a family film with a delightful mix of comedy, warmth, and fantasy. It's a remarkably poignant narrative that speaks volumes on confronting the shadows of one's life with optimism, relentless love, and a dash of daydreaming. It’s about setting out on a journey to bring back the lost happiness, irrespective of the hurdles that lie ahead.

Overall, H Is for Happiness feels like a warm hug into Candice’s world where misery is ousted by relentless optimism. It beautifully combines the joys of childhood innocence, the complexities of mature relationships, and the remarkable resilience of human spirit. Transporting viewers into a swirl of fervent imagination, unconventional friendships, and an unusual family saga, the film proves that the quest for happiness can potentially spell miraculous results.