‘Happy Pals’ is a disarmingly poignant short film directed by Ryan Palmer and written by Preston Fusci, presenting a surreal yet gripping exploration of grief, mental health, and the delicate line between fantasy and reality. Anchored by Brandon J. Sommerville’s strong performance as Ben, the story follows his journey into a peculiar, dreamlike children’s TV show after the tragic death of his young daughter – a world he clings to in a desperate attempt to evade his loss.
The setup is striking, with vibrant, high-quality production values and a cast of well-meaning characters like Dena (Annalea Fiachi), Antwan (David Hunter Jr.), Bara (Amber Li), and Danny (Zoe Yale) who embody the comforting (if slightly unsettling) personas of a fictional TV show. Each character, brought to life with nuanced performances, reflects parts of Ben’s internal struggle, almost coddling him as he sinks deeper into this escapist world. But it’s when Ace (played by Fusci himself) enters the scene that ‘Happy Pals’ takes a startling turn. As a sharp-edged antagonist, Ace doesn’t offer comfort but instead challenges Ben’s avoidance head-on, forcing him to confront the raw truth of his grief.
Palmer’s direction here is solid, guiding the narrative into darker, more profound territory without losing its surreal, almost whimsical visual appeal. Natalia Moscoso’s cinematography deserves high praise, with evocative shots that enhance the film’s uneasy blend of fantasy and reality. The high production quality is evident, enriching the story’s emotional weight and visual appeal.
With a powerful message on the importance of facing one’s grief instead of hiding from it, ‘Happy Pals’ is both disturbing and gripping. It’s a hard-hitting, skillfully crafted short that strikes just the right balance between unsettling fantasy and raw emotional truth. Highly recommended.
