Hector (Simon Pegg) is a busy psychiatrist doing his best to help his patients. Living with long-time girlfriend Clara (Rosamund Pike), Hector has enjoyed an ordered existence. Sensing something is missing, he embarks on a journey to find the meaning of happiness.
Travelling from China to Africa to America, he meets unusual characters including rich banker Edward (Stellan Skarsgard) and drug-lord Diego (Jean Reno). Along the way he comes to understand what it truly means to embrace the elusive notion of being happy.
Hector and the Search for Happiness is an easy-going confection. Telling its meaningful issues in an entertaining way, not many films can successfully carry this off. Happiness does due to Simon Pegg’s charming performance and Peter Chelsom’s direction. Both convey the scope of Hector’s voyage as he slowly builds a list of happiness do’s and don’ts. The people he encounters run the gamut of emotions and show him how the simplest of pleasures can give anyone joy.
Whilst occasionally drifting into schmaltzy territory, the screenplay avoids drowning in a sea of saccharine sweetness. Some darkness creeps in as Hector grapples with past issues and constricted views. These ensure the slightly over-long film maintains interest which is more than helped by some stunning cinematography. Pegg’s co-stars aid in crafting an engaging tale and never over-play the small dramas their characters find themselves in.
A fun and interesting film, Hector and the Search for Happiness is a breezy exploration in discovering personal contentment. Happiness is what we make and is something anyone can achieve, which the film expresses very well.
Reviewed by Patrick Moore
Twitter: @PatrickMoore14
Rating out of 10: 7
Hector and the Search for Happiness will be released on 18 March 2015 on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital Download.
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