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 Houten was particularly praised for her portrayal of Lea, with some critics calling it the best performance of her career.

De Gelukkige Huisvrouw was a commercial success in the Netherlands, grossing over €4 million at the box office. It was also selected as the Dutch entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 83rd Academy Awards, but it was not ultimately nominated.

Overall, De Gelukkige Huisvrouw is a poignant and powerful film that sheds light on the struggles faced by those with mental illness. With its superb performances and sensitive handling of the subject matter, it is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring this important topic.