In the Republic of Happiness

Synopsis

In the twilight of his life, Grandad grapples with his place in the world and his family’s perception of him. His genial demeanor contrasts sharply with the harsh realities he faces, particularly his son Dad’s unrelenting criticism. He clings to memories of a past filled with significant achievements—exporting to China and Vietnam, dealing in antiquities, and mining cobalt—only to be undercut by Dad’s brutal assertion that he was never in prison nor a doctor, as Grandad often claims.

As the family gathers on Christmas Day, tensions simmer beneath the surface. Debbie announces her pregnancy, sparking a whirlwind of reactions that expose deep-seated resentments and fears. Dad‘s bitter outburst reveals his frustration with his daughter’s unplanned pregnancy and his father’s delusions. Mum and Granny attempt to maintain a veneer of normalcy, while Hazel‘s blunt remarks cut through the familial facade. The arrival of Uncle Bob, with his unsettling presence and cryptic message from Madeleine, only intensifies the drama, leading to a climactic moment where Grandad stands up to Bob’s venomous tirade, asserting his dignity against the encroaching darkness of his own mortality and familial discord.