Review of Her Smell (2019) by Dawdlingpoet — 27 Aug 2022

The first half or so of this film put me off because it depicts such a chaotic and disastrous, out of control female punk rocker type character and there doesn't appear to be any coherent plotline. There's a fair amount of mumbled dialogue during the scenes shot backstage - it has a documentary film feel to it, perhaps a little like 'This Is Spinal Tap' or something, only this isn't comedic at all of course. Its somewhat painful viewing at times, how Becky reacts when she arrives, substantially late for the intended show. You can hear the booming music (I assume played on speakers by the stage) while trying to make out what's being said by whom - its a little exhausting(!). I can't say its not atmospheric I suppose but still, confusing and disorientating are also terms that come to mind.

In the 2nd half, or latter half, of the film, its quieter and more interesting, with Becky trying to get herself sober and her life sorted. However, even then there's still quite quiet dialogue and the viewer is left guessing, to an extent, what's going through her head. Elisabeth Moss certainly gives a decent performance, portraying such a vulnerable character very well - I wouldn't criticise her of that. I thought it was poignant that one of the song lyrics she sings is 'I just want to be in control of it, control of it...' I imagine she feels like she has little control over many things in her life and situation (regardless of whether or not thats ultimately true or not).

I thought the best scenes were of her and her daughter, trying to acknowledge, befriend and get along with each other better than has previously been the case. It's certainly not an easy watch in some ways and it felt too scatter gun (if thats the right term?) but its not an awful film as such, no. It's not a film I'd actively recommend and it's not a remarkable film but for a film about an out of control young female rocker type, this certainly isn't bad. It's nearly a very good film but not quite - to me, this was an ok film that I'm glad I stuck with during the over the top, chaotic and somewhat unclear plot direction-wise first hour, first half or so. For fans of Elisabeth Moss, yes I'd recommend this but otherwise? not so much. Make of that what you will.