Happy-Go-Lucky

Anchored by Sally Hawkins’ absolutely stunning lead performance, Happy-Go-Lucky ultimately comes off as a slightly uneven yet thoroughly engaging slice-of-life effort from writer/director Mike Leigh. Hawkins stars as Poppy, an almost egregiously upbeat and outgoing elementary-school teacher who finds herself forced to sign up for driving lessons after her bicycle is stolen (the discovery of which prompts her to exclaim, “I didn’t even get a chance to say goodbye!”) Leigh’s legendarily free-wheeling sensibilities are certainly on full display here, as the filmmaker generally eschews solid instances of plot and instead emphasizes Poppy’s seemingly random day-to-day activities (eg a visit with a physiotherapist and an encounter with a homeless man). It’s a choice that proves instrumental in transforming Poppy from an irritatingly gregarious figure into someone that the viewer actively wants to see succeed, with Hawkins’ ingratiating, downright immersive turn as the character undoubtedly playing a significant role in the movie’s success. There’s little doubt, however, that the film’s 118-minute running time is a tad longer than the distinctly plotless structure can withstand, and it does become increasingly clear that the proceedings would’ve benefited from a few judicious edits here and there. Still, based on the strength of Hawkins’ work alone, Happy-Go-Lucky, which unexpectedly lingers within one’s thoughts long after the end credits have rolled, establishes itself as an indelible entry within Leigh’s impressive filmography.

*** out of ****