Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Book-based romance has language, grief, love, and loss.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Happiness for Beginners
What's the Story?
In HAPPINESS FOR BEGINNERS, middle-aged Helen (Ellie Kemper) has just come off a divorce and, feeling restless, embarks on a wilderness hike to try to find happiness again. On day one of what is expected to be a grueling survivalist venture with a random collection of strangers, mostly younger than her, Helen spots her brother's best friend, Jake (Luke Grimes), among the hikers. She thinks he's there to keep tabs on her. What she doesn't know is that Jake has been carrying hidden feelings for her for years, and he's also hiding a secret that will shape his own happiness and future.
Is It Any Good?
This low-key ensemble hiking tale matches its forest setting -- attractive but never stunning, pleasant but not extraordinary. Happiness for Beginners is such an enticing title, and indeed its characters are mostly young (or young-ish) adults trying to overcome life's obstacles. Some of those obstacles are weightier than others, and the film's handling of darker issues -- like death, disease, divorce, and relationships -- could come across as slightly superficial. Topics feel managed to keep the overall tone upbeat.
In that sense, the film is neither pure comedy nor pure drama, and it never quite hits any real comedic or dramatic highs (Nico Santos' humorous turn gets the most laughs). Still, it's a well-acted and agreeable watch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Jake sees in Helen in Happiness for Beginners. They've known each other a long time. How does this potentially make for a stronger bond?
At one point, Helen says "life really takes a toll." How is she at a different phase in life than some of her fellow hikers? Where do you see this in the story?
What role does the setting play in this movie? How would the same story change if it were set in an urban location, for example?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : July 27, 2023
- Cast : Ellie Kemper , Luke Grimes , Nico Santos
- Director : Vicky Wight
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s) , Queer Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Book Characters , Friendship , STEM
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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