“We don’t fall in love; that’s the rule.” This is the precedent that is set by one of the two main couples in the film after they recently decided to pursue an open relationship. Once two completely separate, closed entities, a black, gay couple and a white, heterosexual couple find their lives mixed into a collective sexual rebirth. Inexplicably, the couples run into one another at a train station, and they awkwardly come to terms with the rapidly changing ideals of their relationships. If the aforementioned golden rule of the protagonists’ open relationship is ever broken, their bond will hang in the balance.

The Happy Sad explores polyfidelity as one way that people are expressing their sexuality and redefining what it means to be in a relationship. Director Rodney Evans artfully humanizes the characters of the film through an original soundtrack in a raw and honest depiction of relationships in New York City. This film implores the audience to check any preconceived notions at the door.