Happening (2021)
Kernel Score: 80% · 506 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama
Released: 2021-11-04
Runtime: 99 minutes
Where to watch Happening
- Stream: Philo, AMC+, Sundance Now, MUBI
- Free with ads: Kanopy
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
France, 1963. Anne is a bright young student with a promising future ahead of her. But when she falls pregnant, she sees the opportunity to finish her studies and escape the constraints of her social background disappearing. With her final exams fast approaching and her belly growing, Anne resolves to act, even if she has to confront shame and pain, even if she must risk prison to do so.
Happening parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that this R-rated drama centers on a young woman's unwanted 1960s pregnancy and her decision to seek an illegal abortion.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Scenes depicting self-administered and back-alley abortion procedures are graphic and painful to watch.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — The film depicts pregnancy resulting from sex and includes clinical/graphic depictions of abortion procedures.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Happening
If you liked Happening, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Vera Drake (2004) — 80%
- Never Rarely Sometimes Always (2020) — 80%
- Le Corbeau (1943) — 84%
- Blue Jay (2016) — 78%
- The Cider House Rules (1999) — 79%
- Manon of the Spring (1986) — 87%
- Three Colors: Blue (1993) — 88%
- 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (2007) — 84%
Director
Cast
- Anamaria Vartolomei as Anne Duchesne
- Kacey Mottet Klein as Jean
- Luàna Bajrami as Hélène
- Louise Orry-Diquéro as Brigitte
- Pio Marmaï as Pr. Bornec
- Sandrine Bonnaire as Gabrielle Duchesne
- Cyril Metzger as Gaspard
- Anna Mouglalis as Madame Rivière
- Fabrizio Rongione as Dr. Ravinsky
- Julien Frison as Maxime
Happening FAQ
Is Happening good?
Happening has an 80% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 506 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Happening?
In the US you can stream Happening on Philo, AMC+, Sundance Now and MUBI, watch it free with ads on Kanopy and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Happening OK for kids?
Happening is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that this R-rated drama centers on a young woman's unwanted 1960s pregnancy and her decision to seek an illegal abortion.
What movies are like Happening?
If you liked Happening, try Vera Drake, Never Rarely Sometimes Always, Le Corbeau and Blue Jay.