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About Happy Face
Inspired by a true-life story, Happy Face tells the story of Melissa Reed, daughter of Keith Jesperson, aka the Happy Face Killer. After decades of no contact, Keith forces his way back into his daughter’s life, and Melissa must find out if an innocent man is going to be put to death for a crime her father committed. In the process, she must face a reckoning of her own identity.
- Year
- 2025
- Genres
- Drama, Crime
- Seasons
- 2
- Top cast
- Annaleigh Ashford, Dennis Quaid, James Wolk, Tamera Tomakili, Khiyla Aynne
Happy Face trailer
Play video: Happy Face trailer
What our critics think
Independent reviews from the Compare TV editorial team.
Review Team
★★★★★4/5
Happy Face emerges as a haunting exploration of identity and familial ties, set against the chilling backdrop of true crime. The film follows Melissa Reed as she grapples with the return of her father, Keith Jesperson, a notorious serial killer. Director's deft handling of sensitive themes showcases the emotional turmoil faced by Melissa as she confronts her father's dark legacy. The cinematography effectively captures the contrasting emotions of dread and longing, creating a palpable tension throughout. Performances are commendable, particularly the lead, whose portrayal of Melissa is both vulnerable and resilient. The narrative's pacing allows for moments of reflection, making the audience question the nature of evil and its impact on innocent lives. Overall, Happy Face is a thought-provoking film that leaves a lasting impression, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of psychological dramas.
Editor Team
★★★★★3/5
Happy Face is a film that tries to tread the murky waters of family and crime but sometimes stumbles along the way. It tells the story of Melissa Reed, the daughter of the Happy Face Killer, who must face her father's shadow while trying to uncover the truth about an innocent man on death row. While the premise is intriguing and ripe for exploration, the execution feels uneven at times. The performances are solid, but the pacing drags in places, leaving viewers yearning for a tighter narrative. The film's emotional weight is palpable, especially in moments of confrontation between Melissa and her father, yet it occasionally veers into melodrama. It’s not a bad film by any means, but it leaves you with a sense of missed potential. If you're in the mood for a crime drama that offers more questions than answers, give Happy Face a shot, but temper your expectations.
How viewers describe this
- haunting
- thought-provoking
- intense
- emotional
- uneven
- gripping
- disturbing
- vulnerable
- resilient
- intriguing
- chilling
- impactful
Happy Face seasons
Streaming Charts
The JustWatch Streaming Charts are calculated by user activity from the last 24 hours.
| Rank | Title | Highest Rank | Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | 01 | ||
| 02 | 02 | ||
| 03 | 05 | ||
| 04 | 07 | ||
| 05 | 23 | ||
| 06 | 24 | ||
| 07 | 27 | ||
| 08 | 30 | ||
| 09 | 32 | ||
| 10 | 38 |
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Got a question about Happy Face?
Is Happy Face worth watching?
Yes, Happy Face is worth watching for its gripping narrative and emotional depth. The film offers a unique perspective on the impact of a notorious criminal's actions on his family, particularly through the lens of Melissa Reed, the daughter of the Happy Face Killer. The performances and direction contribute to a compelling viewing experience that provokes thought and discussion.
What is Happy Face really about?
Happy Face tells the story of Melissa Reed, who confronts her estranged father, Keith Jesperson, the Happy Face Killer. As she grapples with his return and the potential execution of an innocent man, Melissa embarks on a journey of self-discovery and identity, challenging her past and the legacy of her father's crimes.
Is Happy Face suitable for children?
No, Happy Face is not suitable for children due to its mature themes, including crime and familial trauma. The film deals with heavy subject matter that may not be appropriate for younger audiences, so viewer discretion is advised.
Is it based on a true story?
Yes, Happy Face is inspired by a true story. The film portrays the real-life experiences of Melissa Reed, daughter of Keith Jesperson, a serial killer known as the Happy Face Killer, and explores the complex dynamics of their relationship against the backdrop of his crimes.
What happens at the end of Happy Face?
In the climactic finale of Happy Face, Melissa confronts the truth about her father's actions and the ramifications of his past on her life. The film culminates in a powerful moment of reckoning for Melissa as she decides her path forward, emphasizing themes of forgiveness and self-acceptance. (Spoiler alert: The film leaves viewers reflecting on the nature of identity and family ties.)
What films are similar to Happy Face?
If you enjoyed Happy Face, you might also like films such as 'Monster', which explores the life of a female serial killer, or 'The Lovely Bones', which deals with themes of loss and the impact of crime on families. Other similar films include 'Prisoners' and 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo', which delve into dark narratives involving crime and personal struggle.
Is it scary?
While Happy Face is not a traditional horror film, it does contain intense and disturbing themes related to crime and familial betrayal, which may evoke feelings of unease. The film focuses more on psychological tension than outright scares, making it a thought-provoking watch rather than a fright-filled experience.
Is there a sequel to Happy Face?
As of now, there is no official announcement regarding a sequel to Happy Face. The film stands as a self-contained narrative, but its themes and characters leave room for exploration should the creators choose to revisit this story in the future.