Happiness (2023)
An Italian drama about a young woman's fierce fight to protect her brother from the clutches of their destructive, manipulative parents.
Happiness - Movie Information
- Original Title: Felicità
- Release Year: 2023
- Directed by: Micaela Ramazzotti
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 44m
- Original Language: Italian
- Spoken Languages: Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 21, 2023 (Italy)
- Production Companies: Lotus Production, RAI Cinema, MiC
- Production Countries: Italy
Happiness - Plot
This is the story of a broken family, of egotistic and manipulative parents, a two-headed monster that devours every hope of freedom on the part of the children. Desirè is the only one who can save her brother Claudio and will go on fighting against everything and everyone in the name of the only love she knows, in pursuit of a bit of happiness.
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Happiness - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Micaela Ramazzotti
Main Cast
- Micaela Ramazzotti
- Max Tortora
- Anna Galiena
- Matteo Olivetti
- Sergio Rubini
- Beatrice Vendramin
- Marco Cocci
- Massimiliano Franciosa
- Isabella Cecchi
- Giovanni Veronesi
Writers
- Micaela Ramazzotti
- Isabella Cecchi
- Alessandra Guidi
Producers
- Andrea Leone
- Raffaella Leone
Happiness - FAQs
What is Happiness about?
Happiness follows Desirée, a young woman trapped in a deeply dysfunctional family ruled by selfish, manipulative parents. Determined to shield her younger brother Claudio from their toxic grip, she fights relentlessly for their freedom. It's a raw, emotionally charged portrait of survival, sibling love, and the desperate search for joy.
Does Happiness have a hopeful or tragic ending?
Happiness walks a fine line between heartbreak and resilience. Without giving too much away, the film doesn't offer easy resolutions — the ending reflects the messy, unfinished nature of escaping a toxic family. It's bittersweet rather than triumphant, leaving viewers moved and reflective rather than neatly satisfied.
Where can you stream Happiness online?
Streaming availability for Happiness varies by region and changes over time. Your best bet is to check JustWatch, which tracks all current viewing options — whether that's streaming, rental, or purchase — so you can find the most up-to-date options available where you are.
Is Desirée based on a real person?
Desirée is a fictional character, though director and lead actress Micaela Ramazzotti has spoken about drawing on deeply personal emotional experiences when crafting the story. The film feels autobiographical in spirit, even if the specific events are not drawn directly from real life.
Who are the main actors in Happiness?
Micaela Ramazzotti leads the cast as Desirée, alongside Max Tortora and Anna Galiena as her destructive parents, and Matteo Olivetti as her brother Claudio. Sergio Rubini, Beatrice Vendramin, and Marco Cocci round out a strong ensemble that brings this difficult family story to life.
Is Happiness Micaela Ramazzotti's directorial debut?
Yes, Happiness marks Micaela Ramazzotti's debut behind the camera. Best known as an actress in Italian cinema, she wrote, directed, and starred in the film — a bold triple role that earned considerable attention at its Italian release in September 2023.
What films are similar to Happiness?
If Happiness resonated with you, films like Misunderstood (2014), Bastard Out of Carolina (1996), and Brado (2022) explore similarly intense family dynamics and childhood trauma. Balancing Act (2013) and A Daughter (2025) also deal with complex parent-child relationships worth exploring.
How was Happiness received by critics?
Happiness drew attention in Italy for its unflinching look at family dysfunction and Ramazzotti's courageous directorial debut. Critics praised the raw performances — particularly Ramazzotti herself — and cinematographer Luca Bigazzi's evocative visual work, though some noted the film's emotional intensity can be demanding viewing.
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