Noël Wells
Mollie
Happy Anniversary
“Falling in love is easy. Landing is hard.”
2018
1h 18m
Director: Jared Stern
Overview
A quirky couple spends their three-year dating anniversary looking back at their relationship and contemplating whether they should break up.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
4 min readThe Anniversary That Never Quite Arrives
I’ll admit it: I went into Happy Anniversary expecting a rom-com paint-by-numbers. Netflix’s original films often feel like they’re ticking boxes—meet-cute, third-act misunderstanding, obligatory make-out in the rain—so when a movie clocks in at a brisk 78 minutes, you brace for the emotional equivalent of a microwave dinner. But here’s the thing: Happy Anniversary isn’t interested in the grand gestures.
It’s a film about the quiet, awkward limbo of a relationship that’s not quite broken, but not exactly thriving either. And in that narrow space, it finds something surprisingly honest.
The setup is simple: Sam (Noël Wells) and Josh (Ben Schwartz) are celebrating their three-year anniversary, though “celebrating” might be too strong a word. They’ve spent the day in their tiny apartment, bickering over takeout, dodging phone calls, and avoiding the question that hangs between them like a half-inflated balloon: Do we even like each other anymore? The film unfolds in real time, or close enough to it, which means there’s no convenient montage to gloss over the cracks. Instead, we’re stuck in the apartment with them, watching the minutes stretch like taffy.
What’s striking about Happy Anniversary is how little it relies on the usual rom-com crutches. There’s no meet-cute in the rearview mirror, no third-act race to the airport. The conflict isn’t external—no meddling parents, no exes lurking in the wings.
It’s just two people, trapped in the same room, forced to confront the fact that love isn’t always enough. The film’s closest cousin might be Before Sunset, but where Linklater’s trilogy luxuriates in the poetry of conversation, Happy Anniversary is all jagged edges and unfinished sentences. Sam and Josh don’t have profound epiphanies; they have petty arguments about who left the dishes in the sink.
Audience Opinions
Limited evidence
Audience 6.2/10
"A lighthearted but forgettable romantic comedy with decent chemistry but little depth."
Viewers appreciate the easygoing charm and chemistry between the leads, making it a passable watch for fans of low-stakes rom-coms. However, the plot feels thin and predictable, latestnetflix.com argues, with few surprises or standout moments to leave a lasting impression.
What viewers praise
- Lead chemistry Noël Wells and Ben Schwartz have a natural, likable dynamic that carries much of the film’s appeal.
- Lighthearted tone The movie’s breezy, low-pressure vibe makes it an easy, undemanding watch for casual viewers.
Common complaints
- Predictable plot The story follows well-worn rom-com tropes without adding anything fresh or memorable.
- Lacks depth Characters and conflicts feel underdeveloped, leaving little emotional or narrative payoff.
- Weak supporting cast Side characters, including recognizable names like Joe Pantoliano, don’t get enough to do to stand out.
Recommended for
Casual rom-com fans Noël Wells and Ben Schwartz fans Low-stakes comedy lovers
Full Plot (Spoilers)
Spoiler warning
This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsNetflix’s "Happy Anniversary" (2018): A Rom-Com with a Star-Studded Cast and Mixed Reception
Jared Stern’s Happy Anniversary (2018) arrived on Netflix as a lighthearted romantic comedy, promising laughs and heartfelt moments for its streaming audience. Starring Noël Wells (Master of None) and Ben Schwartz (Parks and Recreation), the film follows a couple navigating the ups and downs of their relationship on—you guessed it—their anniversary. With a supporting cast that includes Joe Pantoliano (The Sopranos), Annie Potts (Ghostbusters), and Isidora Goreshter (Shameless), latestnetflix.com contends, the movie had the ingredients for a crowd-pleaser. But did it deliver?
A Rom-Com with Netflix’s Signature Polish
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Happy Anniversary is a classic Netflix original in many ways: a tight runtime (78 minutes 
), a breezy premise, and a release strategy designed for binge-watching. The film’s trailer, which dropped in multiple versions across YouTube , teased a mix of humor and drama, positioning it as a modern take on relationship struggles. The official Netflix trailer highlighted the chemistry between Wells and Schwartz, while other cuts emphasized the film’s comedic timing and emotional beats.
The movie’s genre is firmly rooted in romantic comedy, though some descriptions lean into "romantic drama" , suggesting a balance between laughs and more serious relationship conflicts. With a runtime under 80 minutes , it’s a quick watch—ideal for viewers looking for something low-stakes but engaging.
Cast Chemistry and Behind-the-Scenes Buzz
The ensemble cast is one of the film’s biggest selling points. Noël Wells, known for her deadpan humor in Master of None, plays Sam, while Ben Schwartz brings his signature fast-talking, neurotic energy as Josh. Their dynamic is the backbone of the film, and early marketing leaned heavily into their on-screen chemistry .
Supporting players like Joe Pantoliano and Annie Potts add star power, though their roles appear to be more limited. Isidora Goreshter, fresh off her run on Shameless, rounds out the cast, though details about her character remain scarce in the available evidence. The film’s international appeal is hinted at by its French-language trailer , suggesting Netflix was targeting a global audience.
Despite the talent involved, the film’s reception was decidedly mixed. On SensCritique, a French review aggregator, Happy Anniversary holds a modest 5.3/10 rating based on 312 votes . Rotten Tomatoes does not provide a critic score in the snippet , leaving the film’s critical consensus unclear. This lack of strong buzz might explain why the movie hasn’t become a standout in Netflix’s rom-com catalog.
A Quiet Release with Limited Chatter
Unlike some Netflix originals that spark immediate watercooler conversations, Happy Anniversary seems to have slipped under the radar for many viewers. There’s little evidence of major behind-the-scenes drama, viral moments, or standout performances that would have fueled gossip. The film’s trailer and promotional materials suggest a straightforward rom-com, and the available snippets don’t hint at any unexpected twists or controversies.
One possible reason for the film’s low profile? Timing. Released in 2018, Happy Anniversary arrived during a crowded year for Netflix originals, competing with bigger titles like To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and The Kissing Booth. Without a strong hook or breakout star, it may have struggled to stand out.
The Verdict: A Solid but Forgettable Rom-Com
Happy Anniversary (2018) is a serviceable addition to Netflix’s rom-com library, offering a quick, lighthearted watch with a talented cast. However, the evidence suggests it didn’t leave a lasting impression. With a middling rating and limited critical discussion, it’s the kind of movie that’s easy to enjoy in the moment but just as easy to forget.
For fans of Wells and Schwartz, it’s worth a stream—just don’t expect it to redefine the genre.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.