‘Un/Happy For You’ (2024) Netflix Movie Review - Boring and Slow

UN/Happy For You is a romantic drama that attempts to navigate the delicate intricacies of love, revenge, and forgiveness. The film features Juancho (played by Joshua Garcia), a successful chef from Bicol, and Zy (played by Julia Barretto), his ex-girlfriend who returns to the Philippines for a brief research trip. What begins as an emotional rollercoaster of rekindled love and old grudges quickly derails into a slow-paced, tedious journey that fails to hold the audience’s attention.

The film opens with a flashback to the days when Zy and Juancho were carefree and adventurous, taking part in a quirky local competition that required partners. They meet by chance, gulping down chilies together to win the title of "Chili King and Queen." This whimsical moment feels fresh and fun, setting an expectation for a lively romantic comedy. However, as soon as the story shifts to the present day, where Juancho is a successful chef running his own restaurant, the pace slows down drastically, and the movie loses much of the charm established in the opening scenes.

Juancho’s initial goal of revenge against Zy for their messy breakup provides an interesting premise. He plans to teach her a lesson for abandoning him, but predictably, as the two spend more time together, Juancho softens, and the old sparks of romance are reignited. The film hinges on this emotional conflict, where Juancho must decide whether to hold onto his bitterness or embrace the possibility of starting over with Zy. Unfortunately, this core tension is drawn out far too long, making the narrative feel sluggish and repetitive.

One of the film’s major weaknesses is its slow pacing. The dialogue-heavy scenes are stretched out, with long silences and drawn-out emotional exchanges that fail to add depth to the characters. What could have been a tight, engaging romance instead drags on, making the audience painfully aware of its nearly two-hour runtime. The chemistry between the leads, though initially promising, fizzles out as the plot meanders through predictable romantic tropes without offering anything new.

Additionally, the film lacks the emotional nuance it seems to aim for. Juancho’s resentment towards Zy is portrayed in a one-dimensional manner, and Zy's character feels underdeveloped, making it hard for the audience to fully invest in their relationship. Their reunion feels more like a plot device than a genuine exploration of second chances. As a result, their eventual reconciliation lacks the emotional payoff it should have had, leaving the viewer feeling unfulfilled.

Despite its shortcomings, UN/Happy For You does have a few redeeming qualities. The cinematography captures the beauty of landscapes, offering a visually pleasing backdrop to an otherwise dull storyline. The film also touches on the theme of rediscovering one’s roots, with Juancho’s success as a chef being tied to his heritage, though this theme isn’t fully explored.

Ultimately, UN/Happy For You is a disappointing watch. What begins as a promising romantic drama quickly devolves into a boring and slow-paced film that never fully delivers on its emotional or narrative potential. For those looking for a heartwarming, engaging love story, this film may leave you feeling unsatisfied and restless.

Final Score- [4/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times