Review of Smashed (2012) by Cristian B — 07 Dec 2012
A funny, raw, and honest look at addiction and recovery. Director Ponsoldt and co-writer Burke bring levity to a story that could have devolved into melodrama. They inject the movie with unexpected moments of humor to balance out the moments of emotional turmoil, which keeps the movie grounded.
It also helps to have a cast that can rise to the challenge. Winstead is more than up to it and delivers a moving and powerful breakthrough performance. She displays a depth untapped before and allows the audience to see all of the complexities of her struggle.
Paul, who plays her husband, does strong work and presents a character that may have some hidden demons of his own. His chemistry with Winstead is the heart of the movie and Ponsoldt and Burke present all of the unseen messy emotions attached to their relationship.
We see their love, but also their destructive nature. There is also affecting supporting work from Offerman, Mullally, and Spencer. But the movie belongs to Winstead, who anchors the movie in one of the year's best performances.
Her struggle is inspiring and moving, in a movie full of harsh truths.
This review of Smashed (2012) was written by Cristian B on 07 Dec 2012.
Smashed has generally received positive reviews.
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