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Smashed2012 | 85 min | R | 2.39:1
“Smashed” represents something of a coming out party for its star, Mary Elizabeth Winstead. In the business for the last 15 years, Winstead has rarely found a role that’s supplied a full reach for her gifts, recently seen slumbering through the pre-sequel “The Thing,” while used as decoration in pictures such as “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” and “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.” Although it’s not the easiest movie to digest, “Smashed” finally brings the actress into view, delivering an interestingly chaotic interpretation of an alcoholic finally coming to terms with her path of destruction. She’s marvelous in this small but effective drama, sweetened a touch by darkly comic flavorings. 
An elementary school teacher with a drinking problem, Kate (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) has dug herself into a deep hole when a display of sickness in her classroom is interpreted as a sign of pregnancy. Fearful of revealing her disease, Kate goes along with the story, leaving her wracked with guilt as Principal Barnes (Megan Mullally) celebrates the news. Sensing the reality behind Kate’s woe is fellow teacher Dave (Nick Offerman), who urges the drunk to join Alcoholics Anonymous and find the help she needs, soon accepting a sponsor in Jenny (Octavia Spenser). While making progress in her sobriety, Kate is anchored by her husband, Charlie (Aaron Paul), who still overindulges regularly, confusing the relationship as brutal honesty enters the household. Struggling to make sense of her life and correct her mistakes, Kate embarks on a journey of self, trying to pull her life out of the addictive hole it’s been trapped in since childhood. There’s a full sense of experience that informs “Smashed,” with screenwriters James Ponsoldt (who also directs) and Susan Burke approaching the subject of alcoholism with an unflinching viewpoint. While there have been numerous cinematic attempts to understand and depict the disease, “Smashed” shows originality in the manner it holds firmly on destructive behavior, detailing Kate’s hourly mission to drink, which turns the woman into a mess of emotions and demands -- a character reveal she’s become an expert at hiding for most of her life. Unraveling after she vomits in front of her class, Kate’s arc in “Smashed” is one of realization and shame, allowing the writing to maintain a human stance while exploring expected waves of theatrical behavior as Kate and Charlie swallow gallons of booze to maintain their carefree attitude, with the rattled teacher sampling crack and urinating on a convenience store floor as she indulges her demons. 
“Smashed” is heavy stuff (although short, with the picture running only 75 minutes), offering extended arguments and swirly drunk behavior. There are a few moments of humor from Dave and Principal Barnes that lightens the mood some, but Ponsoldt doesn’t trivialize the subject matter, carefully observing the humiliations and horror as Kate sobers up and recognizes the severity of her actions. Scenes of A.A. meetings flesh out the recovery process, while trip to meet Kate’s alcoholic mother (Mary Kay Place) establishes a genetic connection that adds to her sense of struggle. Ponsoldt gets a little carries away with his stabs at visual poetry, but the emotional basics are cared for, also exploring a harsh crunch of codependency as Kate figures out that life is best lived without the influence of her husband. 
Bringing “Smashed” to life is Winstead, who provides a bravely unglamorous take on Kate’s misery. It’s a naked performance worthy of attention, bringing a rich sense of psychological damage and worry, while also tending to the physical actions of a woman out of control. It’s tasteful work, caring for dimension while grounding the picture in realism. Winstead supports “Smashed” with real skill, finally locating a role that allows for a little elbow room in a feature that cautiously details the lifelong struggle of alcoholism with a distinct indie film tilt. Starring: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Aaron Paul, Octavia Spencer, Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally, Kyle Gallner » See full cast & crew |
 
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