Review: Happy Birthday (2023) Review

The number of pandemic-themed films has been growing in the indie film scene over the past couple of years, for obvious reasons. While most seem to be zombie-themed or straight graphic horror films, some have taken a different approach. One such film is Happy Birthday from directors Joseph A. Mauro and  Ezekiel N. Drews, which takes place two years after a major viral outbreak. We follow the daily routine of John, a man living in a remote cabin in the middle of the woods. He lost his entire family to the virus on his daughter’s birthday. Having never been able to let go of the events of that day, John repeats the same actions of wearing the same clothing, eating the same food and baking the same birthday cake. When another human shows up at his door step, John is forced to face that day and deal with the feelings he has been trying to avoid. But is this stranger a savior or a threat?

Contrary to what you might think, this is not a horror movie. This is a dramatic exploration into dealing with loss, survivor’s guilt, and post traumatic stress. Ezekiel Drews wrote a story that is sure to hit home for many people who lost someone close to them. John is a fairly relatable character whose repeated routine doesn’t seem to be out of the realm of possibility. I could see myself doing something similar if I was in that situation. Ezekiel Drews plays the character of John, and you can feel the weight of the loss on him. There is an extra layer of guilt as John had a major position with the CDC and saw the pandemic coming. It unfortunately falls on the deaf ears of the President, played with wondrous pompousness by veteran actor Dan Davies. When Samael shows up on John’s doorstep, we can see John change and realize he needs to move on. Samael is a great representation of hope, showing John what he has lost. I loved the introduction of the Samael character. Joseph A Mauro plays him with just the right amount of mystery to where you are not quite sure of his intentions.

There is an equal balance of the story taking place between John’s cabin and flashbacks to the events that led him there. The transition is smooth and there is a variation in the colors to help convey when you are watching a past event. There are some beautiful cinematic shots that portrayed the isolation that John has put himself in. Usually, a solitary cabin in the woods is associated with horrors from the outside. In this case, it is the horrors John carries within that he is trying to survive. I also appreciate the scope that Mauro and John were able to convey while working on a limited budget. Multiple locations, camera angles, and news breaks help create the feeling of a global pandemic.

Happy Birthday is a classic example of how real world events can influence artists. It is a heartbreaking exploration into themes that we have all had to deal with in recent years. That familiarity helps create a connection that elevates this story above just a basic indie drama. I think there is a lot here to appreciate and it is worth a watch for those who enjoy well crafted and dramatic indie films.  

Happy Birthday is not out for public viewing yet but you can keep updated by visiting the Lucid Films Ltd website here