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Drama Venice 2021 · Golden Lion Editor's Pick

Happening Review (2021) — 85% Celluloid Score

Directed by Audrey Diwan · 2021 ·

Short answer

Is Happening worth watching?

Yes. Happening (2021) earns an 85% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Critics (98%) were notably more enthusiastic than audiences (84%). See the 4 inputs.

85%
Celluloid Score Recommended

4-input transparent breakdown

98% Editorial Rating
84% Audience snapshot · excluded
91 Metascore
★★★½☆ Letterboxd 3.9
7.3 IMDb /10
0
Watch Trailer
Released
Runtime
1h 39m
Age rating
R (US) · 15 (UK) · R 18+ (Australia) · 15 (South Korea)
Cast
Anamaria Vartolomei , Kacey Mottet Klein , Luàna Bajrami , Louise Orry-Diquéro , Pio Marmaï , Sandrine Bonnaire , Cyril Metzger , Anna Mouglalis , Fabrizio Rongione , Julien Frison
Streaming
AMC+, Sundance Now, MUBI
Country
France
Language
French

Also known as L'Événement El acontecimiento Das Ereignis O Acontecimento あのこと 레벤느망 正发生 正發生

Where to watch

  • AMC+
  • Sundance Now
  • MUBI

Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home

Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home

Where to watch Happening by country

Country Streaming on
Japan Prime Video, U-NEXT
United States AMC+, Sundance Now, MUBI

Subscription availability, refreshed from TMDB. Rental and purchase options may differ.

Why this score?

  • Celluloid's editorial rating is exceptional (98/100).
  • General viewers mostly liked it (84%).
  • Metascore signals universal acclaim (91/100).
  • Celluloid Score 85% combines 4 rating inputs; audience sentiment is shown separately. Consult the source notes for verification dates where recorded.

Best for

  • Viewers who want a well-regarded drama pick
  • Short runtime — easy weeknight watch
  • Critics' darlings — stronger with reviewers than general viewers

Not ideal for

    Scores reflect data indexed at build time. Component sources are shown on this page; Celluloid Score is our composite, not a third-party trademark. Scoring policy

    Streaming availability, artwork and title metadata courtesy of TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.

    Is Happening worth watching?

    Yes — Happening earns an 85% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. It suits viewers who want a well-regarded drama pick.

    Celluloid verdict

    Happening — Golden Lion at Venice 2021. A landmark festival winner on Celluloid.

    , Founder & Editor

    Critics (98%) were notably more enthusiastic than audiences (84%).

    What is Happening about?

    France, 1963. Anne is a bright young student with a promising future ahead of her. But when she falls pregnant, she sees the opportunity to finish her studies and escape the constraints of her social background disappearing. With her final exams fast approaching and her belly growing, Anne resolves to act, even if she has to confront shame and pain, even if she must risk prison to do so.

    Watch the Trailer

    Happening stills

    Official production imagery supplied through TMDB, kept with the movie instead of split into a thin gallery page.

    Happening production still 1
    Happening production still 2
    Happening production still 3
    Happening production still 4
    Happening production still 5
    Happening production still 6

    Images courtesy of TMDB. TMDB does not endorse or certify Celluloid.

    Reader takes

    No reader takes published yet. Send yours and we may publish it after editing.

    Happening: frequently asked questions

    Is Happening worth watching?

    Yes. Happening (2021) has a Celluloid Score of 85%, averaged from the available Celluloid editorial, Metascore, Letterboxd and IMDb ratings. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Audience sentiment is shown separately and does not change the score.

    Where can I watch Happening?

    In the United States, Happening streams on AMC+, Sundance Now, MUBI with a subscription, and you can rent it from Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube. Elsewhere: Prime Video, U-NEXT in Japan. Availability changes; the where-to-watch table on this page is refreshed from TMDB.

    How long is Happening?

    Happening runs 1 hour 39 minutes (99 minutes).

    What is Happening rated?

    Happening is rated R in the United States, 15 in the UK, R 18+ in Australia and 15 in South Korea. These are the official classifications as recorded on TMDB; check your local classification board for content advice.

    Who stars in Happening?

    Happening is directed by Audrey Diwan and stars Anamaria Vartolomei, Kacey Mottet Klein, Luàna Bajrami, Louise Orry-Diquéro, Pio Marmaï.

    What is the Metascore for Happening?

    Metacritic's Metascore for Happening is 91 out of 100. It is one of the inputs to the Celluloid Score.

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