El arte de la felicidad (The Art of Happiness) is a 2016 Brazilian animated drama directed by Roberto Berliner and produced by TV Zero. Unlike mainstream family-oriented animations, this film targets an adult audience, exploring deep philosophical themes such as impermanence, suffering, self-discovery, and the true nature of happiness. The narrative follows Sulamit, a young woman who leaves her family’s oppressive home in Rio de Janeiro to find meaning, eventually landing in a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in India. The film is notable for its minimalistic animation style, its dialogue-light narrative, and its profound existential inquiry.
The series begins in 1900 with a young Modesta (played by ) who, after a family tragedy, is sent to a convent. Far from being a quiet novice, Modesta uses her sharp intelligence and undeniable magnetism to navigate power structures and climb the social ladder. Key themes explored include: el arte de la felicidad netflix