Having been a fan of musical theatre practically my entire life, I can only assume the trepidations, hardships, and sheer determination and power one needs to go through being a live performer and dealing with the day-to-day challenges. There is something magical about the theatre. As a performer (presumably) and as an audience member, being part of that experience is a special bond of performance art. Now, when dealing with things that are not entirely in one’s control and having to potentially make the sacrifice of something you love to honor who you are seems like the hardest choice to make in life, and that is the question and dilemma that Really Happy Someday poses to its audience in a heartbreaking and beautiful feature from director J Stevens (Stories from my Gay Grandparents).
The film almost solely focuses on Z (Breton Lalama) who is the crème of the crop in Toronto’s local musical theatre scene as theirs is highly regarded as one of the best version of Éponine in Les Misérables ever done. After being on testosterone injections for a year after transitioning, the battle for keeping true to Z’s identity and wanting to continue to be part of the musical theatre scene they love tests and pushes beyond anticipated limits. Z, unfortunately, ultimately bombs an audition when their voice cracks several times, making them question if they can continue this endeavor while transitioning and ultimately not losing their career aspirations or their self identity. While Z is not alone, Z is encouraged by Danielle (Khadijah Roberts-Abduallah), who is their partner, and Z meets Shelly (Ali Garrison) who is a vocal coach. Shelly tries to help them rediscover their voice, regaining their so dearly loved talent and gift.
Breton Lalama as Z in REALLY HAPPY SOMEDAY. Photo courtesy of Spindle Films.
This movie is filled with empowerment and emotion throughout the story and, with the information we were given about the film itself, this stems from real life experiences and situations that both J Stevens and Breton Lalama (Dawn, Her Dad & The Tractor) have gone through. This is evident throughout the direction and writing in Really Happy Someday as the film feels incredibly personable and engrained in reality, heart, and soul, which is not something that can be artificially created. Granted, it is possible to artificially create emotions and story that can be based on experiences, but having a cast and crew that have lived through the story they are telling brings a new level of depth, care, and realism to the film that not only takes and holds the audience, but ensures that the movie is authentic.
There truly is a sense of lived-in experience with these performances that clearly stems from the script, which was also co-penned by Lalama, which is boosted by remarkable performances from Breton Lalama, Khadijah Roberts-Abdullah (Save the Date; Crimson Peak) and Ali Garrison. Really Happy Someday is truly a remarkable feat of film-making and a masterclass in acting. Lalama is exceptional and remarkable in this role, truly throwing their heart, body, and soul at the audience which, in turn, is embraced in a warm hug which will surely have tears mixed into the batch, as well. Lalama delivers a star-making performance that is so engrained and enriched in heartbreak, selflessness, and discovery that it cannot be forgotten or understated.
Breton Lalama as Z in REALLY HAPPY SOMEDAY. Photo courtesy of Spindle Films.
Really Happy Someday is one of those rare gems of a film that creates a world for the audience to simply live in and then simply sits with the soul when the credits roll. It’s a world to remind the audience that no matter what, at the end of the day, one must be true to themselves and not let anything get in the way of that. When there is a will, there is a way.
Screening during Toronto International Film Festival 2024.
For more information, head to the official Toronto International Film Festival 2024 Really Happy Someday webpage.
Final Score: 4 out of 5.
Share this:
Categories: In Theaters, Reviews
Leave a Reply