Happiness for Beginners (2023) is the Netflix romantic comedy starring Ellie Kemper and Luke Grimes, adapted from Katherine Center’s novel. Its soundtrack pairs Sherri Chung’s warm original score with a small set of well-chosen licensed songs, capped by a Cure classic over the finale. Here’s the verified music guide.
Quick Facts
| Title | Happiness for Beginners |
|---|---|
| Type | Romantic comedy film |
| Release | July 27, 2023 (Netflix) |
| Director / Writer | Vicky Wight (based on Katherine Center’s novel) |
| Stars | Ellie Kemper, Luke Grimes |
| Composer | Sherri Chung |
| Runtime | 103 minutes |
| Where to watch | Netflix |
Score & Composer
The original score was written by Sherri Chung, whose credits include Kung Fu, Batwoman, Riverdale and Blindspot. Her score for the film runs to roughly 16 instrumental cues that follow Helen’s Appalachian Trail hike, from hopeful openings to its emotional final stretch.
Every Song (by Scene)
| Song | Artist | Scene / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Head in the Clouds | Max Frost | Opening sequence |
| 40 Dogs (Like Romeo & Juliet) | Bob Schneider | Featured in the film |
| Just Like Heaven | The Cure | Plays over the finale |
| Sunrise | Sherri Chung | Original score cue |
| Three Good Things | Sherri Chung | Original score cue |
| My Favorite Place In The Whole World | Sherri Chung | Original score cue |
| Nothing Matters Out Here | Sherri Chung | Original score cue |
| Lead Us Home | Sherri Chung | Original score cue |
Licensed songs are verified; Sherri Chung’s score album contains around 16 instrumental cues in total.
About the Film
Adapted from Katherine Center’s best-selling novel and written and directed by Vicky Wight, Happiness for Beginners follows Helen (Ellie Kemper), a newly divorced woman who signs up for a beginner’s backcountry course on the Appalachian Trail. Luke Grimes plays Jake, a former student she keeps crossing paths with on the hike.
The film leans on its outdoorsy setting, and the music matches it. Sherri Chung’s score is bright and propulsive for the trail sequences, while the handful of licensed songs bookend the story, from Max Frost at the start to The Cure at the close.
Where to Watch & Listen
Happiness for Beginners streams on Netflix. Sherri Chung’s score album is available on Apple Music and other major services.
Stream / listen: Watch on Netflix · Score on Apple Music
Cast
- Ellie Kemper as Helen
- Luke Grimes as Jake
Frequently Asked Questions
Who composed the Happiness for Beginners soundtrack?
The original score was composed by Sherri Chung.
What song plays at the end of Happiness for Beginners?
‘Just Like Heaven’ by The Cure plays over the film’s finale.
What song plays during the opening?
‘Head in the Clouds’ by Max Frost plays during the opening sequence.
Is Happiness for Beginners based on a book?
Yes – it is adapted from Katherine Center’s novel of the same name, written and directed by Vicky Wight.
Who stars in Happiness for Beginners?
Ellie Kemper stars as Helen and Luke Grimes as Jake, with a supporting cast that includes Blythe Danner and Nico Santos.
Does the soundtrack feature Taylor Swift or big pop hits?
No. Aside from The Cure’s ‘Just Like Heaven,’ the film mostly uses Sherri Chung’s original score and a few indie tracks rather than chart-topping pop songs.
Where can I watch Happiness for Beginners?
It streams on Netflix.
Related reading: Watch on Netflix, Movie soundtracks, All streaming guides