Directed by Alexandre Franchi, *Happy Face* is a psychological horror film that blends elements of body horror, mystery, and dark social commentary. The story centers on Stan (Robin L’Houmeau), a young woman haunted by her mother’s abandonment decades earlier. After discovering her mother was part of a support group for individuals with facial disfigurements, Stan infiltrates the group, donning a grotesque mask to conceal her identity. Her goal: to uncover the truth about her mother’s past and reconnect with her.

**Plot Summary**
The group, led by the enigmatic Arthur (Robert Clost), meets in a secluded church, its members hidden behind elaborate, smiling masks—symbolizing their forced conformity to societal norms. Initially welcomed, Stan bonds with the group, including a kind-hearted member named Fred (Alain Brunet). However, tensions escalate when members begin dying violently, their masks removed to reveal their disfigurements. Stan’s investigation grows perilous as she becomes a target, and her own mask—both literal and metaphorical—threatens to slip.

A pivotal twist reveals Arthur as a manipulative figure exploiting the group’s trauma, while Stan’s mother (Sarah Brunet) emerges as a tragic, complicit figure in the group’s dark rituals. The climax culminates in a chaotic confrontation, where Stan’s quest for truth unravels into a visceral exploration of identity and betrayal.

**Themes and Style**
*Happy Face* critiques societal marginalization of those deemed physically “other,” juxtaposing the characters’ internal struggles with external horror. The masks symbolize the pressure to hide imperfections, while the violence reflects the cost of confronting buried truths. Franchi employs practical effects to create visceral, unsettling disfigurements, emphasizing authenticity over CGI. The film’s claustrophobic atmosphere and eerie score amplify its tension, blending arthouse sensibilities with grindhouse grit.

**Reception and Legacy**
Though divisive, the film garnered praise for its bold premise and performances, particularly L’Houmeau’s nuanced portrayal of Stan. Critics noted its uneven pacing but lauded its ambition in tackling themes of alienation and self-acceptance. *Happy Face* remains a provocative entry in modern horror, challenging viewers to confront discomfort with difference and the facades we all wear.

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