Dennis Quaid’s Sinister Turn in ‘Happy Face’ True-Crime Drama

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It’s not an easy task to live up to a cruel moniker like the Happy Face Killer, but if you sign your numerous letters to the press and authorities with that well-known smiley face after killing nearly ten people, that’s one method of earning such a chilling title. A new true-crime detective series, “Happy Face,” premiering on Paramount+ this month, delves into the life of the real serial killer during a particular time frame. In this series, we encounter Keith Hunter Jesperson (played by Dennis Quaid) towards the end of his prison sentence while his adult daughter Melissa (portrayed by Annaleigh Ashford) struggles with her own identity in the face of new developments regarding her father’s ongoing case.

If the intense preview of the show doesn’t already unsettle you, prepare yourself as the father and daughter confront each other in multiple prison scenes throughout the series’ eight compelling episodes. Created by Jennifer Cacicio, who wrote Your Honor, and directed by Michael Showalter, known for his work on The Dropout and The Shrink Next Door, Happy Face promises a gripping dose of true-crime fascination to feed our darker curiosities. Although the overall TV-MA tone could have been made darker for greater impact, it’s intense enough to spark discussions on various online platforms again.

Revisiting a Twisted Past

The new show is modeled after the true events chronicled in Melissa Moore’s “Happy Face” podcast and book “Shattered Silence.” Despite its origins, it has a more gentle, network-like quality akin to NBC, rather than the grittier, TV-MA content we’ve come to appreciate on streaming platforms like Paramount+. However, this doesn’t mean that the themes explored in “Happy Face” won’t move or unsettle you at times.

Initially, Melissa’s life appears harmonious as the series commences, boasting a blissful marriage, two charming children, and a secure job as a makeup artist in a television studio. However, tranquility takes a turn when an unsettling situation arises at her workplace. The show they produce is a provocative talk show hosted by Dr. Greg (David Harewood). One day, Dr. Greg receives an unforeseen call from the infamous Happy Face Killer (Quaid), who discloses that there’s one more unacknowledged victim from his past. Intriguingly, he refuses to reveal any additional information except to a specific woman at Dr. Greg’s studio – Melissa. Yikes!

It’s at this point when Melissa realizes she must disclose her hidden past to her friends for good, having altered her name after learning as a teenager about her father’s true identity. She had been concealing her history to live a regular life in the years following her discovery, but now it seems that could be threatened since if the ninth victim her dad refers to truly belongs to the Happy Face Killer, then an innocent man might be imprisoned somewhere for a crime he didn’t commit.

This implies that Melissa has switched roles from a makeup artist to a producer, working alongside her experienced partner Tamera Tomakili, traveling to Keith’s prison in an attempt to gather more information. She also visits where inmate Elijah (Damon Gupton) is detained, the individual accused of the death that Melissa’s father has recently alleged. The intricate nature of the case necessitates time away from her family, which understandably angers her devoted spouse Ben (James Wolk). It presents a difficult predicament for her to balance, and lead actress Ashford delivers an impressive portrayal of the character.

It’s the Quaid & Ashford Show

In simpler terms, Melissa often finds herself in challenging predicaments that make us ponder about the balance between justice and personal sacrifices. It appears that at times, Melissa values her troubled father’s case over her own family, particularly her daughter Hazel (Khiyla Aynne), who exhibits classic rebellious behavior. Now, let’s consider why viewers might be drawn to Happy Face – the answer is probably the intrigue and thought-provoking themes it presents.

It’s intriguing to observe how Quaid, the main character, portrays an unusually unpleasant side, emitting a slimy demeanor and bewitching, mind-bending charisma in almost every scene. Some might find it revolting to watch; others might argue that’s exactly the intention and we should simply enjoy the madness. Remember, this is a true-crime drama series. Be cautious when Quaid and Ashford confront each other; other parts might not be as impactful and could easily slip in and out of your consciousness.

Happy Face will begin streaming on Paramount+ March 20.

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2025-03-11 06:32