What would you do in search of happiness?
‘Happiness’ explores class divides, greed, power and romance, set amongst a virus outbreak that causes symptoms of cannibalism. Okay, it makes you a zombie.
In a twist on the old zombie narrative, the show adds a world that’s already experienced quarantines, but with the added the problem that the virus isn’t always active, at least not to begin with. This results in those who are infected having lucid moments where they either deny the murders they committed, try to stop themselves from doing harm, or use their periods of lucidity to help them plan their next murders – for they’ll be hungry when they turn.
As with all good zombie shows/films there are of course a variety of stages, with the most dangerous of the infected, being those who have stopped having their lucid moments. But zombies might not be the worst thing in an apartment complex of power-hungry people.
Thankfully, the show’s two leads are Yoon Sae-Bom (Han Hyo-joo), a tactical agent for a special ops unit, and Jung Yi-Hyun (Park Hyung-sik), a detective, and as such they have the skillset to lead those who find themselves trapped in a zombie outbreak. But will people listen when it affects what they want?
The series navigates all the complexities of relationships, from romantic involvement to friendship and family, including our relationship with ourselves. Making this even more intense, the characters are all trapped within a highly desirable apartment complex, where there are renters (lower floors) and owners (higher floors). The first social political commentary is the divide of class, but soon there’s the divide in who’s infected and who’s not, with accusations flying wildly and dangerously about.
Taking advantage of this is a killer (not the zombie kind), who – as luck would have it – was arrested just as the apartment was put into quarantine, allowing him to run free in an apartment complex of jealous individuals, who he is soon able to manipulate for his own devices. Played by the talented Heon-Jin Baek the character is a contemptuous, cunning, smirky individual, with loyalties only to himself. Not forgetting a similar natured character, played by Bae Hae-sun. Bae Hae-sun more than stands out in ‘Happiness’, her acting prowess totally transforming the energy of others.
Set to contend with killers, virus outbreaks, in-fighting, politics and more, are the platonic and yet romantic couple Yoon Sae-Bom and Jung Yi-Hyun. Enjoyably, ‘Happiness’ breaks with the usual trait of a “damsel-in-distress” with Yoon Sae-Bom more than holding her own. Portrayed by Han Hyo-joo, the actress creates a likable and strong female lead, who’s grounded and takes charge in the relationship. I also have to mention Park Hyung-sik, who has played some fantastic characters in his career, including Jung Yi-Hyun in this show. One of his greatest strengths as an actor is the ability to pull you into the story, thereby contributing to some of the best K-dramas to date. These two make a dream pairing, and it would be fantastic to see them act in another drama together – their talents complimenting each other and creating that moment for each to shine.
Aside from the relationship of the show’s two leads, there are the ever-complicated relationships with the building’s other residents – who are increasingly becoming unstable in quarantine. Just what will they do to live the life they want?
Unbeknownst to the other residents, and as another side story, is the connections the lead characters have with the military. This gives an insight into seeing how the military are handling the virus outbreak and from within the organisation itself, which is unusual in this genre. Because of this you see what lengths they are willing to go to, along with their corrupt and personal ambitions.
Happiness really does have it all, every genre, every twist, and every mood. But at its centre is a story of selflessness versus selfishness, and in doing so asks: Just what side would you be on if you were there?
Director: Gil Ho Ahn
Other notable works:
- Record of Youth 2020
- Watcher 2019
- Memories of the Alhambra 2018-19
- Bimilui Soop 2017
Writer: Sang Woon Han
Other notable works:
- Watcher 2019
- Gut waipeu: The Good Wife 2016
