Katherine Center’s novel comes to life in Happiness for Beginners, a romantic comedy that follows Helen (Ellie Kemper) as she takes on a wilderness survival course in the Appalachian Trail. Hoping to rediscover herself after going through a divorce, she embarks on the challenging adventure.
During the trip, Helen finds herself surrounded by a diverse group of hikers, but an unexpected arrival changes everything—Jake (Luke Grimes). Though tension lingers between them at first, their time in the wilderness leads to a deeper bond.
House keys and hiking trails unlock a surprising connection (Photo: Happiness for Beginners/Cranetown Media and Synthetic Cinema International)Do Helen and Jake End Up Together?
Helen and Jake’s path to romance is anything but simple, much like their demanding journey through the Appalachian mountains.
Jake happens to be the best friend of Helen’s younger brother, Duncan (Alexander Koch). She first runs into him at the beginning of the movie when she stops by to give Duncan her house keys, expecting him to house-sit during her time away.
Even though there’s an undeniable spark between them, Helen shows no interest, still adjusting to life after her divorce. Their next encounter happens unexpectedly when Jake shows up for the same hiking trip.
Shocked by his presence, Helen insists that they keep their prior connection a secret. They attempt to steer clear of one another, but circumstances change when Helen suffers an injury on the first day and Jake, being a doctor, steps in to help.
Spending time together gradually brings them closer, and an evening in a tent ahead of Hugh’s rescue mission deepens their connection. During that moment, they open up about their lives, strengthening their relationship.
Jake’s Confession and Helen’s Realization
Helen stumbles upon Jake in the darkness of the woods, where he confesses that he has retinitis pigmentosa, a condition causing him to lose his eyesight.
This is the reason behind his decision to leave his medical career. Back at camp, Helen notices Windy (Shayvawn Webster), another hiker, showing interest in Jake and kissing him, which stirs feelings of jealousy.
When the group returns from the trip, they celebrate with a party at the hotel. Helen watches as Jake and Windy talk, only for Mason (Esteban Benito) to mislead her into believing Jake is already in a relationship with someone back home.
Disheartened, she leaves early, unable to process her emotions. Later, at home, she takes comfort in reading a romantic poem Jake had given her.
A surprise visit from Jake at Grandmother Gigi’s (Blythe Danner) book club birthday party changes everything. Helen shares that she loved the poem, even after learning Jake didn’t write it himself.
He finally confesses that his jealousy during the trip was because he had wanted to be with her for a long time. While he acknowledges that his condition could present challenges, Helen reassures him that it doesn’t change how she feels.
Their love story culminates as they share a kiss and dance together. Happiness for Beginners is currently streaming on Netflix.
