Really Happy Someday tells the story of Z (Breton Lalama), a rising star in Toronto’s musical-theatre scene. However, as he transitions, his testosterone injections have affected his powerful singing voice, forcing him to re-learn how to perform. Taking a job at a local bar, Z takes vocal lessons in the hopes of returning to the stage while also learning more about himself in the process.
Directed by J Stevens, Really Happy Someday is a stunningly humble piece that seeks to kick down the doors of conversation surrounding those in transition. Led by an incredible performance by Lalama (who also co-wrote), the film feels authentic in every scene. Including moments from Lalama’s personal experiences with testosterone injections, the story never goes for broad, dramatic strokes yet the film sits within the smaller moments, making them noteworthy.
Perhaps the best example of this comes when Z takes his testosterone injections. In these scenes, there is no high dramatic tension. Instead, it simply shows them as everyday moments. In doing so, Someday takes a personal moment and opens the door for conversations for those (such as myself) who have never had the experience. These are normal spaces and Someday wants us to feel them.
Ultimately, Really Happy Someday is about the joy of stepping into yourself. As Z transitions, there may be challenges yet he’s ultimately on a journey of ‘becoming’. As he breaks out of the physical (and emotional) shell of who he once was, Z finds a new piece of himself that he didn’t know was there. Every step towards his future highlights the optimism of learning who you are going to be.
It’s that hopefulness is the beauty of Really Happy Someday. And the thing that sets it apart from other films of this nature.
Really Happy Someday is playing at TIFF ’24. For more information, click here.
