H Is for Happiness is a heartfelt and charming Australian family drama film directed by John Sheedy. It is based on the novel "My Life as an Alphabet" by Barry Jonsberg. The movie follows the life of Candice Phee, a 12-year-old girl with an indomitable spirit and an optimistic outlook on life.
Candice lives in a small coastal town with her parents, her grumpy depressive father, Jim (Joel Jackson), and her overprotective mother, Claire (Emma Booth). She is the youngest of three children, and her older brother, Rich (Joel Fitzgibbon), is distant and moody while her older sister, Douglas (Saskia Whinney), is intellectually gifted and has been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome.
Candice is determined to bring her family together, starting with fixing her parents' relationship. She believes her parents' problems arise from the tragedy that struck the town several years ago. Candice decides to take matters into her own hands and comes up with inventive ways of bringing happiness to her family and those around her.
As the story unfolds, Candice must navigate the complexities of adolescence, such as school bullies, peer pressure, and making friends. She finds solace in her eccentric Auntie Cordelia (Miriam Margolyes) and her new classmate, Douglas Benson from Another Dimension (Wesley Patten).
In the end, Candice learns the true value of family, friendship, and the power of positive thinking. H Is for Happiness is a touching and uplifting film that offers a fresh perspective on family dynamics and mental health. The movie features outstanding performances from the cast, particularly newcomer, Daisy Axon, who plays Candice with sincerity and charm.
