Happiness for Beginners

Released Jul 21, 2023

1 hr. 43 min.

Romance

Comedy

Drama

List

33%

27 Reviews

Tomatometer

53%

250+ Ratings

Audience Score

Helen has always lived her life as far from the edge as possible. Newly divorced, she joins a quirky group of strangers on a survival course for the "Adventure of a Lifetime" with the hope of learning how to live — and love — again.

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Netflix

Watch Happiness for Beginners with a subscription on Netflix.

Critics Consensus

A bland journey of self-discovery that's too inoffensive to stand out in a crowded genre, this romantic dramedy offers little Happiness for Beginners -- or viewers at any other level.

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Suzanne K

I loved this movie, it's an easy breezy rom com, chemistry of Luke and Ellie is amazing, the supporting cast is great...I would love to see what happens next with Jake and Helen!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/23/24

Full Review

Antonio S

I absolutely loved it, beginning to end, great movie and great cast. Wish the movie and hike was longer!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/31/24

Full Review

Claudia J

I love it!!!! I get the biggest smile while watching it. I am someone that does not like to rewatch movies. I've rewatched at least 5x. It's an escape. I wanted more.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/02/24

Full Review

Jerod S

It's a bland rom-com even though I'm a Kemper fan. The outdoor hiking adventure doesn't supply as much humor as it could - but its warm and fuzzy.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/19/24

Full Review

Maleah M

This is such a great movie. It was witty and didn't rely on crude/foul language for humor. Loved the main character. She played it so well. Very well done.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/14/24

Full Review

Sue V

Loved it! It is a rainy afternoon feel good movie 😊

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/25/24

Full Review

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Vicky Wight

Director

Ellie Kemper

Helen Carpenter

Luke Grimes

Jake

Gus Birney

Kaylee

Nico Santos

Hugh

Alexander Koch

Duncan

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Robert Levin

Newsday

This is the movie equivalent of background TV, something to have on while you're paying the bills, or something. There's cinematic comfort food and then there's just comfort, without the food.

Rated: 2/4

Aug 9, 2023

Full Review

Noel Murray

Los Angeles Times

Ultimately, the film’s formulaic qualities are too much of a drag.

Jul 31, 2023

Full Review

Nell Minow

RogerEbert.com

Like a mapped-out trail, you know where it will end up, but there's enough to enjoy along the way.

Rated: 3/4

Jul 28, 2023

Full Review

Jennifer Green

Common Sense Media

This low-key ensemble hiking tale matches its forest setting -- attractive but never stunning, pleasant but not extraordinary.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 16, 2023

Full Review

Graeme Tuckett

Stuff.co.nz

Happiness For Beginners might just about get you through the night before the Sav' Blanc runs out.

Aug 9, 2023

Full Review

Milagros Amondaray

La Nación (Argentina)

... A noble movie that allows Kemper to trek dramatic territory and command a story with solvency and charisma. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 3/5

Aug 8, 2023

Full Review

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Synopsis

Helen has always lived her life as far from the edge as possible. Newly divorced, she joins a quirky group of strangers on a survival course for the "Adventure of a Lifetime" with the hope of learning how to live — and love — again.

Director: Vicky Wight
Executive Producer: Lawrence Greenberg, Jeff Sackman
Screenwriter: Vicky Wight
Distributor: Netflix
Production Co: Cranetown Media, Synthetic Cinema International
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 21, 2023, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 27, 2023

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