I know, I know — this is a South African drama, and you’re probably wondering why I even bothered to review it. Well, Nollywood is expanding its reach, and our actors are popping up in movies from all over the continent. When I saw that OC Ukeje, one of our very own, was part of the cast, I decided to give it a shot. But let me tell you, it turned out to be a classic case of wasted talent on a painfully predictable storyline.
The Central Question: Why Aren’t We Happy?
The film, Happiness Is, tries to explore why people feel unfulfilled even when they seemingly have everything. It’s the third installment in a franchise that started with Happiness is a Four-Letter Word (2016) and continued with Happiness Ever After (2021). This series is based on the South African novel by Nozizwe Cynthia Jele, and while it initially had an intriguing premise, this latest sequel falls flat. The only original characters left are Princess and Leo (Richard Lukunku), with a fleeting mention of Zaza (Khanyi Mbau). The film sticks to the typical rom-com formula: messy love entanglements, spa dates with champagne, and the inevitable new romantic interests. Joining the cast this time are Rosemary Zimu, Anton David Jeftha, Phaphama Nqabeni, and our very own OC Ukeje.
A Luxurious Setting but Lackluster Plot
Visually, the movie does not disappoint. It boasts high-quality cinematography, lavish lifestyles, and a striking colour palette. Princess’s best friend, Tumi Modise (played by Gail Mabalane), is planning a grand 40th birthday party to celebrate what she calls Princess’s “rebirth.” However, Princess has a moment of self-reflection after a shocking revelation about her love life. She decides to cancel the party and instead heads off to a holiday resort to clear her head. The choice of a picturesque holiday house surrounded by nature gives the film a beautiful and serene vibe, different from its predecessors.
The Plot Goes Downhill
This is where the movie spirals into absurdity. Tumi’s boyfriend, Sabelo, decides to follow them to the resort for a surprise visit. And guess who else shows up? Sabelo’s sister and her boyfriend, Leo — yes, the same Leo who happens to be Princess’s baby daddy. It’s a small world, isn’t it? The script here is all over the place. OC Ukeje’s role is a confusing addition, leaving me questioning why he was even part of the movie. His character felt out of place and added nothing to the already confused story. The script is filled with predictable clichés, and the plot holes are too glaring to ignore. It’s almost as if the writers gave up halfway through and hoped that the luxurious setting and stylish visuals would distract us from the fact that the story was going nowhere.
No Happiness Here
Despite the promising setup and the appearance of well-known actors, the film fails to deliver. The actors, as talented as they are, couldn’t save this sinking ship. By the end of the movie, I was left wondering where the “happiness” in Happiness Is was supposed to be. Sure, Princess finds love, but the journey there is so frustratingly predictable that it’s hard to care. It’s a film that promises a lot but ends up being a shallow and unrealistic portrayal of love and self-discovery.
My Verdict
For all the hype and the star-studded cast, Happiness Is ends up being a disappointment. The story had potential but was dragged down by poor writing and an overreliance on rom-com clichés. I’d give it a 6/10 watch it if you have time to kill, but don’t expect to find any happiness here.
