Smashed (2012)

"Smashed" (2012 release; 85 min.) brings the story of a married couple, Charlie (played by Aaron Paul) and Kate (played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead), who enjoy going out and partying it up. Then several incidents happen to Kate (blacking out in the middle of nowhere; throwing up in front of her elementary school students due to a hangover), which really make her rethink the direction of her life. Without so much as consulting with Charlie, she decides almost on a whim to join AA (at the suggestion of a co-worker who has been there before), while Charlie does not. At that point we are just 30 min. into the movie (hence my suggested alternative title for the movie, "Sober") and the rest of the movie plays out the strains and challenges which Kate faces with her co-workers at school, Charlie at home, and even her mom to whom she's not particularly close. I'm not going to tell you how it all plays out, as that would just ruin your viewing experience.

Couple of thoughts: Mary Elizabeth Winstead carries the film on her shoulders, and she does a terrific job at that, although certainly Aaron Paul (he of "Breaking Bad") does a credible job too. There are a couple of pivotal scenes in the second half of the movie between these two as their relationship seems to fall off a cliff after Kate joins AA, and where you can really see how Winstead just throws herself into this role. There is also a small choice role for Octavia Spencer as Jenny, Kate's sponsor at AA. Also worth mentioning is the lovely soundtrack for the movie, with a bunch of obvious and not-so-obvious indie music from the likes of Cass McCombs, Richard & Linda Thompson and, best of all, the song "Our Anniversary" by Bill Callahan (a/k/a Smog).

This movie clearly was made on a shoestring budget, but it doesn't matter. The is one of those "little movies that could", bringing some great performances while examining the fall-out on relationships resulting from being smashed/sober. This is MILES away from your standard Hollywood fare. If you are in the mood for a quality indie movie, I am quite certain that you will enjoy "Smashed".

"Smashed" is an incredibly insightful movie about a young woman's courageous journey to personally change the legacy passed down to her by her family. Mary Beth Winstead is brilliant in her portrayal of Kate. There is no sugar coating on what lies ahead of her as she struggles with these changes. The affect on relationships, lifestyles, and convictions is raw and true. It will likely be moving and familiar to anyone trying to make personnel changes for the better, whether with substance abuse or any other major life change. This is an important piece of work with the potential for far reaching application and impact. Don't miss it.

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I really loved this movie! I think it was a true depiction of the downward spiral of alcohol and getting sober!

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This is a fine story about alcoholism.

Good acting.

No gratuitous sex, violence, foul language, or glorified using.

However, just one instance which I found entertaining BUT would very likely rub someone's mother the wrong way.

Very humourous and, of course, sad in its turn.

This could easily become a treatment staple and popular among AA folk.

Excellent.

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Winner of Sundance Film Festival Jury Prize, "Smashed" delivers a hard look into the life of an alcoholic (Winstead) and how she bottoms out before she gets better.

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