When we discuss postpartum depression (PPD), the conversation often centers on the mother’s experience, overshadowing the profound impact it can have on fathers. While the focus on maternal mental health is crucial, it’s equally important to acknowledge that fathers can also grapple with their own emotional challenges during this period. In an upcoming postpartum depression comedy, Another Happy Day, Insecure alum, Jean Elie talks postpartum depression from a father’s perspective.
“I didn’t really know too much about postpartum, and what it’s like,” Elie told People Magazine in a recent interview about his role as new dad Lucien in the film. Elie goes on to tell the outlet that despite the fact that that the film is a a comedy, in addition to learning about postpartum depression, the role also taught him patience.
“It also taught me that, as a man, you could feel lonely in the relationship too, even though you guys planned on doing this together. You could feel like you’re in it by yourself trying to raise a child with someone who doesn’t really know how to or doesn’t feel seen by their own kid.”
The talented actor adds, “You guys symbiotically need each other and all I can do is try to do as much as I possibly can to either make her life easier or to be of assistance.”
The film, directed by Nora Fiffer, is unquestionably a must-see. Check out an synopsis of what to expect below from the Another Happy Day official website.
35 year-old Joanna is a total nut. She’s also an artist and new mom. But she’s not making any art and she’s terrible at taking care of her newborn. Worse, her husband Lucien fancies himself to be a mothering expert. Desperate for some company, Joanna tumbles into an unlikely friendship with her estranged aunt Miriam, a reclusive theatre actress.
Miriam seems the perfect companion for Joanna — she’s artsy, honest, eccentric, and she hates babies. But all goes haywire when Joanna tries to mother her aunt instead of her baby. Another Happy Day is a tender and tense comedy exploring postpartum depression, intergenerational friendship, and what it means to be family.
In addition to Elie, Another Happy Day also stars Lauren Lapkus, Carrie Coon, Marilyn Dodds Frank, among others. This insightful film from first-time writer-director, Nora Fiffer highlights postpartum depression while keeping the conversation front-and-center from a father’s point-of-view. Another Happy Day is now streaming on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.
Photo: Jean Elie Instagram; Another Happy Day Instagram
