-
Genres
-
CastBrandon BurkleyPatrick FineganLaura Goellner
-
DirectorMatthew I. Schmidt
-
Release Date2018
-
Runtime1 hr 21 min
-
IMDB Rating2.4 (139)
Happy Birthday Hannah is a 2018 independent film that tells the story of a troubled teenage girl named Hannah, who is struggling to come to terms with the loss of her mother. The movie takes place on Hannah's 18th birthday, and follows her as she spends the day wandering the city, trying to find meaning and purpose in her life. The film is shot in an artistic and experimental style, using a mix of live action and animation to convey Hannah's inner world. The visuals are stunning, with vivid colors and dreamlike imagery that add to the surreal atmosphere of the film.
At the heart of the movie is the performance of Brandon Burkley as Hannah. Burkley brings a raw emotional intensity to the role, conveying the character's pain and confusion with authenticity and depth. He is supported by a talented cast, including Patrick Finegan as Hannah's best friend Ben and Laura Goellner as Ben's girlfriend Lily.
The story of Happy Birthday Hannah is a familiar one â a young person struggling to find their place in the world â but it is told in a unique and compelling way. The film is at times dark and introspective, and at other times playful and whimsical, resulting in a tone that is both melancholy and hopeful.
One of the key themes of the movie is the importance of human connection in times of despair. Hannah meets a number of people throughout the day, each of whom has their own struggles and burdens. Some of these encounters are positive and uplifting, while others are more ambiguous and unsettling. But through them all, Hannah is reminded that there are people in the world who care about her, and who are willing to help her through her pain.
Another central theme of the film is the power of art to heal and inspire. Hannah is an aspiring artist, and many of the film's most memorable scenes involve her creating or interacting with art in some way. From painting on a blank canvas at a gallery to doodling on a napkin at a café, these moments illustrate the transformative nature of creativity, and the way it can turn pain into beauty.
Happy Birthday Hannah is not an easy film to pin down. It defies categorization, borrowing elements from drama, comedy, and experimental cinema. It is at times confusing and opaque, with a structure that is non-linear and fragmented. But for those willing to go along for the ride, the film offers a rich and rewarding experience that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
Overall, Happy Birthday Hannah is a powerful and thought-provoking film that asks important questions about the human experience. It is a testament to the power of independent cinema, and a reminder of the unique stories that can be told when filmmakers are given the freedom to explore beyond the boundaries of convention.
Happy Birthday Hannah is a 2018 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 2.4.