We follow the journey of Saad (Mehdi Meskar), a young refugee of Moroccan origin exiled in Quebec, ready to do anything to protect the man he loves, Reza (Aaron Archer).
Threatened with deportation, Reza must hide from the authorities to avoid deportation to Iran, his native country, where his life is threatened because of his sexual orientation.
To spare him this tragic fate, Saad decides to seduce and gain the trust of Laurent (Alexandre Landry), an influential spokesperson for the Minister of Immigration.
But events take an unexpected turn, when Saad ends up sincerely attached to Laurent.
Without being able to forget Reza, the young Moroccan finds himself facing a dilemma: Laurent offers him both happiness and a more serene life, far from the torments he has endured.
Léa Pool uses a narration that takes us on a journey throughout the film.
The story begins with Reza's journey to Iran, before introducing us to his relationship with Saad.
Both had already been refugees in Spain and France, before finally arriving in Montreal.
No matter the places they pass through, the observation remains unrelenting: the life of a refugee is a series of pains that are difficult to put into words, and this is more the case for those forced to flee because of who they really are.
In the case of Reza and Saad, it concerns their homosexuality, a subject that is still taboo in many countries.
Léa Pool in no way waters down her story.
We witness 1 hour 42 minutes of constant tension, oscillating between brutality and romantic passion.
The director manages to balance this universal quest for happiness.
Each moment of joy is followed by a test, reminding us that nothing is ever acquired for the protagonists.
The film also accurately addresses the administrative burden linked to immigration and the real ordeal that some must go through to find refuge.
But also the fascination with the opportunities that a new beginning offers.
Léa Pool's production is absolutely dazzling, enhanced by the work of the director of photography, Yves Bélanger.
Former collaborator of Jean-Marc Vallée, Bélanger signs memorable shots which remain engraved after the credits.
Each image, whether it shows suffering or love, has a striking force.
The soundtrack, both refined and dramatic, amplifies the intensity of key scenes.
Judicious use of song America cries des Cowboys Fringants proves to be perfectly in tune with the story.
Let us add to all this a very rich scenario, signed Michel Marc Bouchard.
Despite some lengths, particularly in the second part, the film retains its emotional grip until the last scene, which grips the heart and brings tears.
The acting also deserves a special mention.
Mehdi Meskar, who made our blood run cold in the series The Monstertouches deep in We will be happy.
His performance is exceptional, bringing to life a character in search of happiness, haunted by past traumas and confronted with a difficult present situation.
His chemistry with Alexandre Landry is palpable.
More discreet, Landry seduces with the depth and humanity of his character.
That's it, We will be happy.
A story that is at once deeply human, authentic and moving.
Without a doubt, this is one of Léa Pool's most accomplished feature films, and certainly one of the most striking Quebec films of the year.
We will be happy is presented in the cinema.
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