Happiness (1998) May 2026

Todd Solondz’s Happiness (1998) is a landmark of American independent cinema, famous for its unflinching, darkly comedic exploration of the "perverse acts" and profound loneliness hidden behind the facade of suburban normalcy. It is widely regarded by critics as one of the most disturbing yet audaciously empathetic films ever made. Director & Writer : Todd Solondz

: Jane Adams (Joy Jordan), Philip Seymour Hoffman (Allen), Dylan Baker (Bill Maplewood), Lara Flynn Boyle (Helen Jordan), Ben Gazzara (Lenny Jordan). Happiness (1998)

: A new 4K digital restoration is available from Criterion Collection and retailers like Amazon. Plot & Character Breakdown Todd Solondz’s Happiness (1998) is a landmark of

: A suburban father and therapist who tries to balance his monstrous urges with his role as a family man. : A new 4K digital restoration is available

: The "perfect" suburban housewife who is completely unaware that her husband, Bill, is a pedophile.

: The sensitive sister who struggles with her love life and a sense of constant failure.

: A successful but shallow poet who seeks out "authentic" suffering and ends up in a bizarre relationship with a phone-sex harasser.