Title: Her Smell
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Alex Ross Perry
Starring: Elisabeth Moss, Cara Delevingne, Dan Stevens
Runtime: 2 hrs 14 mins
What It Is: Becky Something (Moss) is the lead singer of female punk band Something She. As she has gotten older her life has begun to spiral out of control. Her husband Danny (Stevens) has divorced her and taken custody of their daughter. Meanwhile, she lost control of her band and her mates are exiting left right and center. Now that everything around her crumbles how will she cope? What will she fo? Will she allow her demons to finally get the better of her?
What We Think: Alex Ross Perry is known more for his adventure in mumblecore but here he explores themes outside of white hipster city living (and it’s supposed difficulties). Here we explore what a little fame and a lot of drugs and mental illness can do to the human psyche. Much like he did with Queen of Earth. Similar to that this film is lead by an earth-shattering performance from the always amazing Elisabeth Moss. Some of the dialogue lets the film down, but that’s a slight complaint in the grand scheme of things.
Our Grade: B+, Ross Perry is on a role. All his films are of good quality. He even got good press for his script for last years Christopher Robin something that for sure doesn’t seem in his wheelhouse. Nonetheless, I’d recommend this highly. Even if it goes a bit too off the rails and the third act is a tad too much of a change. Overall it’s an enjoyable one and one that’s been on my radar for some time. Well worth the voyage you’ll have to take to find it. I love punk rock and this kinda gets it. It has a riot girl feel that is PERFECT for the subject matter.