Happiness Runs is a coming-of-age film that explores the life of Victor, an adolescent boy who grows up in a commune in northern California. The film follows Victor's struggles with the communal lifestyle, which involves rampant drug use and sexual promiscuity.
Despite his initial interest in the freewheeling nature of communal living, Victor gradually becomes disillusioned with it and begins to see the negative effects it has on himself and those around him. He sees that the adults in the community pursue sexual satisfaction and drug use above all else, leading them to neglect their children.
As Victor begins to realize the flaws of the community, he decides to leave and embark on a journey of self-discovery. He seeks out his estranged mother, who lives a more conventional life, and learns about the wider world outside of the commune.
Happiness Runs is a thought-provoking exploration of the dangers of extreme lifestyles and the struggle for individual freedom. The film features strong performances from its cast, including Mark L. Young as Victor and Rutger Hauer as the leader of the commune. The movie provides a harrowing yet ultimately uplifting story of a young man's journey towards finding his own path in life.