Saturday 14 November 2026
Billed as “the most cheerful dark comedy you’ll see this year”, Happy As Larry is heading to digital download across the UK and US this festive season. Solvane Films, in association with producer Lucas A. Ferrara, confirmed the release of the film, which is written and directed by Hugo Andre. Shot entirely outdoors on the Isle of Skye, it follows a struggling London writer and the eccentric local who refuses to leave his side. Here’s what you need to know before it lands on your screens.
1. A darkly funny story with a surprisingly uplifting spirit
The film follows Larry, a struggling London writer who travels to the Isle of Skye intending to end his life, but who won’t follow through until he has written the perfect final letter. The short synopsis describes him as unsatisfied with life after years of writing novels far more interesting than his own, and deciding to go on one last adventure before his scheduled demise. Hoping the landscape will bring him clarity, he finds his solitude disrupted by Dale, an eccentric but warm local. As the pair journey through the mountains, Larry wrestles with his final words while Dale’s humour and insight pull him back into the present, forming an unlikely bond.
2. It’s an award winner on the festival circuit
Happy As Larry premiered at the Oscar-qualifying Dallas International Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award for Best International Feature. It then went on to screen at further festivals in both the US and the UK before securing distribution. The film is being distributed by Indie Rights, and runs for a compact 87 minutes, with its certificate still to be confirmed. Producer Lucas A. Ferrara said: “Happy as Larry is the rare buddy film that earns its warmth and laughs. After winning hearts and awards around the world, it’s the perfect holiday-season reminder that even when life feels darkest, the unexpected can bring inspiration and hope.”
3. Hugo Andre writes, directs and appears on screen
Hugo Andre is a British-French screenwriter and director based in London, specialising in character-driven films that explore complex relationships, human vulnerability and the darker sides of human nature. His previous credits include Makeup (2023) and Blind Innocence (2023), and his work often blends drama and comedy, finding humour and humanity within challenging subject matter. Speaking about the release, he said: “I’m incredibly excited for audiences to finally see Happy As Larry. It’s a film that explores some quite profound themes through humour, warmth and an unexpected journey. I hope audiences find themselves laughing (maybe crying) and perhaps seeing a little of themselves in Larry and Dale along the way.”
4. Calvin Crawley and Kevin Walls lead the cast
Calvin Crawley and Kevin Walls star as the lead duo, appearing alongside Andre himself and Izzy Harradine, with Coral Sinclair and Anne Martin completing the cast. Walls previously appeared in Sophie Fillières’ final film, This Life of Mine, which opened the Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes in 2024. Producer Lucas A. Ferrara, an attorney by occupation, has worked with creatives around the world since 2020 to produce more than 175 award-winning films. “We made this movie with grit and heart—and are certain you’ll find it funny, engaging, and cathartic,” he said. “It’s the rare kind of story that will stay with you long after the credits roll.”
5. The Isle of Skye is the film’s other star
Happy As Larry was shot entirely outdoors on Skye, using the island’s dramatic landscapes as the backdrop to a story about connection, loneliness and finding unexpected reasons to keep going. Larry heads to the island in the hope that its scenery will bring him clarity, and much of the film follows him and Dale as they travel through the mountains together. Andre describes the production as “a real labour of love”, adding: “I can’t wait to share it with the world.” Because the film deals with suicide, the release notes that anyone affected by its themes can contact Samaritans, available 24 hours a day on 116 123 or at samaritans.org.
Find out more
Release: UK and US digital platforms this festive season (December expected; date and platforms TBC)
Run time: 87 minutes
Certificate: TBC
Distribution: Indie Rights
Writer and director: Hugo Andre
Producer: Lucas A. Ferrara
Support: Samaritans, 24 hours a day on 116 123