The Happy Housewife (De Gelukkige Huisvrouw): A Compelling Tale of Motherhood and Mental Health
De Gelukkige Huisvrouw , translated as The Happy Housewife , is a Dutch film that was released in 2010. Directed by Antoinette Beumer and based on the novel of the same name by Heleen van Royen, the film follows the story of Lea, a housewife who seems to have it all but is struggling with mental illness. The film stars Carice van Houten as Lea, who is married to Harry, played by Waldemar Torenstra. Lea and Harry have a seemingly perfect life, but after the birth of their first child, Lea starts to experience postpartum depression . Her mental health issues escalate, and she becomes increasingly delusional. Throughout the film, we see Lea's journey as she seeks treatment and tries to come to terms with her illness. The film portrays the struggles faced by those with mental illness, as well as the impact it has on their loved ones. The film received positive reviews, with critics praising the performances of the cast and the handling of the sensitive subject matter. Carice van Hou...