State of Happiness

State of Happiness, known as "Lykkeland" in its native Norwegian, is a captivating and lushly produced drama series, released by Topic from 2018 to 2022. The show, executive produced by Maipo Film, skilfully pulls back the curtain on Norway's transformative oil boom era of the 1960s and 70s, presenting it through the prism of interconnected human stories and historical events.

Much in the vein of high-quality European television dramas, State of Happiness combines an insightful historical backdrop with deep dives into character-driven stories and complex, intriguing relationships. It's a tale of not just an economic boom but a societal transformation, and the show deftly showcases how such an event is fundamentally intertwined with individual destinies that evolve over time.

Set in the coastal town of Stavanger in southwestern Norway, the series begins just when the town's fortunes are on the brink of change. Stavanger is depicted as a place where fishing has been the mainstay, but the jobs and prosperity it has brought are steadily declining. The homes and properties are accurately reproduced to resemble the time of the late 60s, taking viewers on a nostalgic journey of a town about to step into an era of unprecedented affluence.

The plot follows four main characters, central to the unfolding drama: Anna Hellevik, an adventurous young woman seeking independence; Toril Torstensen, a politically engaged office clerk; Christian Nyman, a restless drilling contractor keen on striking oil; and an ambitious American lawyer, Jonathan Kay. Their character arcs are fundamental to the narrative, as they are intricately woven into the larger canvas of Norway’s discovery of offshore oil, mirroring the growing anticipation, tension, and thrill of an imminent boom.

As the characters' lives intersect and diverge in a rapidly evolving landscape, State of Happiness paints a vivid portrait of the period. Their journeys spotlight different societal layers and facets of the era - the excited anticipation, the political negotiations, the technical challenges, the clash between tradition and modernity, and the impact on personal relationships.

The show unfolds in a carefully paced and intricately plotted manner. The early battles over oil exploration rights are matched with the characters' personal battles and ambitions. Each episode is filled with suspense, authenticity, and depth, making the audience connect emotionally with the characters and their circumstances.

State of Happiness superbly blends history with fiction, fact with drama. It portrays a landmark period in Norwegian history with nuance, focusing not just on the transformative power of the oil boom but also delineating how complicated the progress can be. The honesty and transparency with which it portrays the effect of oil windfall on individuals and the community is an essential quality that sets this series apart.

The series features a tour de force performance from its ensemble cast, with each actor masterfully inhabiting their roles, giving audiences characters that are deeply flawed, fiercely independent, and achingly real. Viewers are treated to impeccable portrayals that walk the fine line of respect for history and the requirements for high-drama television.

Moreover, State of Happiness boasts brilliant production values, authentic set designs, and visually stunning cinematography that truly capture the period's flavor. The directors have succeeded in making the audience feel as though they are in Stavanger at the moment of pivotal change where the familiar world is about to be replaced by something entirely new.

In conclusion, State of Happiness delves into a significant chapter in Norway's history with a visceral and intimate human narrative. Its finely drawn characters and textured storytelling make the series a compelling watch not just as a historical drama but as a tale of individual dreams, ambitions, and the cost of progress. It's a show that seamlessly traverses the personal and the political spectacle, allowing viewers a panoramic view of a pivotal point in Norway's chronicle.