The Mystery of Happiness

A charming Argentine comedy that seems ripe for an American remake, The Mystery of Happiness concerns two lifelong friends, Santiago (Guillermo Francella) and Eugenio (Fabián Arenillas), whose relationship is so close that their very movements are wryly choreographed by director Daniel Burman to emphasize perfect symmetry. These “life business partners,” as Santiago meaningfully describes his bond with Eugenio, are the co-owners of an appliance store, but they play hooky from work to visit a racetrack several times a week. They also have a shared history that includes a long-ago mutual infatuation with a Brazilian beauty—and a gentleman's agreement that neither man should try to win her. All of this backstory factors into the mystery of Eugenio's sudden disappearance, leaving Santiago to run their shop, reluctantly, with Eugenio's flinty wife, Laura (Inés Estévez). Seeking advice from a former secret agent on how to search for Eugenio, Santiago and Laura unexpectedly become close. Burman—who co-wrote the script—masterfully tweaks the film's tone from comic to sweet to profound, while Francella and Estévez find a wonderful chemistry that is equal parts wide-eyed innocence and adult sophistication. Highly recommended. (T. Keogh)