why in the hell is everyone so depressed in this film?

Well? It's as if everyone needed to be put on a dual depression medication. Especially the mom, she had these many moments when she would just stare into space, WTH! I understand she just lost her husband, however, as the film progresses, she makes remarks that maybe alludes to the fact that she did not love him very much; if not at all. Don't get me wrong, I like this movie and have been watching it for years, but it just one of those movies that emotionally drains the viewers.