Happy Here and now

Happy Here and Now, written and directed by renowned filmmaker Michael Almereyda, was released in 2002 and has since been appreciated for its intricate mix of mystery, science fiction and personal drama. Among the ensemble cast are Karl Geary, Shalom Harlow, and Clarence Williams III, who contribute to the movie's unconventional and contemplative narrative journey.

Set against the backdrop of New Orleans, the film's initial premise centres on a teenager named Muriel (played by Liane Balaban) who arrives in the city to look for her missing sister Amelia (played by Shalom Harlow). Amelia had been working in New Orleans as a hostess and, before her sudden disappearance, communicated with her sister through flame mails and video clips over the internet.

However, when Amelia went missing, it left Muriel baffled and set her off on a mission to find her. The desperate sister travels to New Orleans and begins her investigation with the only clue she possesses - her sister's laptop. As the mystery unfolds, Muriel delves deeper into her sister's online life which brings her face to face with unique environments and intriguing characters that push the boundaries of reality and fantasy.

One of these characters includes Eddie Mars (played by Karl Geary), an amateur detective, and former firefighter, who Muriel ropes in to assist her. However, Eddie soon realizes that this is not a typical missing persons case. Their investigation leads them to a realm where identity, existence, and truth become distorted and surreal.

Adding another layer to the plot is Bill (David Arquette), a curious man who is technologically attracted to Amelia and might be a missing piece in solving the mystery. Furthermore, we are introduced to Jefferson (Clarence Williams III), a philosophical cab driver who offers insights and perspectives about the elusive truth they're seeking.

Throughout Happy Here and Now, Almereyda laces his narrative with technological themes and philosophical undertones. The film confronts the viewer with questions about virtual relationships and digital personas. Amidst the twirling mystery, it forces viewers to contemplate the implications of online identities, the deception it might entail and how such a medium impacts human connections and individual identity.

The film smartly utilises the mystery aspect as the driving force, but the director’s true intent appears to be more concerned with exploring the concept of reality in a technologically advanced world, where real-world experiences and virtual interactions intertwine. Happy Here and Now finely melds the suspense of the thriller genre with deep philosophical musings, which may intrigue those looking for a thought-provoking watch.

Almereyda's direction cleverly juggles these questions, providing a narrative that blurs the line between fantasy and reality. He carefully throws light on the psychological effects of the internet age. The transitions between real and virtual worlds in the film are depicted through unique camera work and visual effects that maintain an ethereal feel throughout.

The performances in Happy Here and Now are indeed worth mentioning. Geary and Harlow deliver nuanced and engaging performances. They effectively bring out the complexities and vulnerabilities of their characters, as they navigate the intricate web of reality, illusion, and despair. Clarence Williams III, in a cameo appearance, adds philosophical depth to the story, making the film even more engaging.

The setting of New Orleans also adds to the film's distinctive aesthetic, with the vibrant city's streets and its enchanting charm providing a vibrant contrast to the colder, more impersonal virtual world that forms a significant portion of the narrative.

In conclusion, Happy Here and Now is not a straightforward thriller. It is a mix of mystery with a unique exploration of technological implications on human identity and relationships. This film is highly recommended for viewers who appreciate cinema that stimulates debate and invokes introspection on contemporary socio-cultural issues.