Smashed (2012)

Directed by: James Ponsoldt
Country: USA

Review: “Smashed” is a drama centered on alcoholism. Kate and Charlie are apparently a happy couple, who have a lot of things in common. However, life will change when they become completely dependent on alcohol. Kate is a teacher, whose job is put on jeopardy due to several absences, improper behaviors, and lies. Her nights consist in pretty much the same: drinking in bars until late hours. One morning, she awoke in the middle of the street, after smoking crack with an unknown woman. Since that moment, Kate started to worry, becoming aware of her addiction and seeking help at AA meetings. Her husband Charlie, on the contrary, didn’t show any intention to quit. “Smashed” has interesting moments, especially those showing the decadent behaviors that a drunk person is capable of. Yet, I wasn’t particularly moved, having the impression that something was missing here. The plot deliberately assumed a time discontinuity, between Kate’s first relapse and the celebration of a whole year without drinking. This fact kept me wondering how the couple had coped with the situation meanwhile. On the other side, the open ending worked well, while the lesson it tries to pass is already known. Great performance by Mary Elizabeth Winstead.