Watch 42 Seconds of Happiness

42 Seconds of Happiness is a 2016 independent drama film directed by Christina Kallas. The film follows the lives of four couples who are all searching for happiness in their own way. Each couple has their own unique struggles and challenges that they must overcome to find the happiness that they crave. The film begins with an introduction to the four couples. First, there is Mark and Ellen, a couple that has been together for several years, but their relationship is beginning to feel stagnant. Mark is a successful lawyer, but Ellen feels unfulfilled in her job as a social worker. Next, there is Martin and Ginnie, a couple that is struggling with infertility. They desperately want to have a baby, but each failed attempt takes a toll on their relationship. Then, there is Mike and Lisa, a couple that is dealing with the aftermath of an affair. Mike cheated on Lisa, and they are now trying to move past it and rebuild their relationship. Finally, there is Stephanie and Dave, a couple that has been married for a few years, but they are struggling to balance their busy careers with their relationship.

As the film progresses, we see each couple attempt to find happiness in their lives. Mark and Ellen try to spice up their relationship by trying new things, like salsa dancing. Martin and Ginnie turn to adoption as a way to build their family. Mike and Lisa attend couples therapy and try to work through their issues. Stephanie and Dave try to reconnect with each other by taking a trip to the beach.

Throughout the film, each character is faced with difficult decisions and must learn to navigate their way through life's ups and downs. The film also touches on themes of love, loss, and the importance of communication in relationships.

The film is shot in a unique style that incorporates both traditional narrative storytelling and documentary-style interviews with the characters. This allows the audience to get a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations.

One of the strengths of the film is its talented cast. Bex plays the role of Ellen with a sense of vulnerability and authenticity that makes her character relatable. Vandit Bhatt shines as Martin, portraying the emotional turmoil of infertility with nuance and sensitivity. John J. Concado gives a standout performance as Mike, creating a character that is both flawed and sympathetic.

The film's pacing is deliberate, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the lives of the characters. The cinematography and score also add to the overall emotional impact of the film.

In conclusion, 42 Seconds of Happiness is a thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of relationships and the search for happiness. The film's strong performances, unique structure, and emotional themes make it a must-see for fans of character-driven dramas.

42 Seconds of Happiness is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.