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Smashed

Play trailer Poster for Smashed R 2012 1h 21m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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83% Tomatometer 106 Reviews 68% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
Los Angeles schoolteacher Kate (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and her husband, Charlie (Aaron Paul), each have a drinking problem. Up to now, her life seems like one big, boozy party, but her latest drinking binge catches up to her at work, and she later spends the night alone on the street. Kate now realizes that she has hit rock bottom. She agrees to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings with the school's vice principal (Nick Offerman) and takes her first step on the challenging road to sobriety.
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Smashed

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Critics Consensus

Smashed resists the temptation to play up its serious subject matter for high theatrics, opting instead to let its gentle tone and Mary Elizabeth Winstead's marvelous performance carry the day.

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Critics Reviews

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Sara Michelle Fetters MovieFreak.com May 16, 2022
3/4
Smashed tells a familiar story with subtle simplicity, never beating the audience over the head with its themes or ideas. Go to Full Review Candice Frederick Reel Talk Online Sep 7, 2017
B
While writer/director James Ponsoldt's screenplay tends to saunter along at times as it seeps further into starkness, Winstead and Paul's performances will keep you engaged until the end. Go to Full Review Derek Malcolm London Evening Standard Dec 14, 2012
3/5
A film that's good on general atmosphere, totally sincere and not too sentimental. Go to Full Review Ellie Lucas From the Front Row Aug 6, 2019
3/4
This may be Winstead's show, but Ponsoldt displays a remarkable restraint that demonstrates a keen directorial instinct. Go to Full Review Nicholas Bell IONCINEMA.com Aug 5, 2019
There's nothing completely astonishing or shocking that goes on in Smashed, but that's not to say it isn't captivating and completely worth your time. Go to Full Review Eve Tushnet Patheos Jan 3, 2019
Smashed is wall-to-wall good intentions from the moment Kate decides to go to a meeting. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Rob A @RT76386004 3 days ago An excellent choice if you suffer from, or are interested in the harsh reality of alcoholism. I found the film at once realistic and inspirational. See more Jeffrey M @JazzyDomingo Aug 29, 2026 It was cute and all, but not very realistic. The film left out the withdrawals, the depression, the awkwardness of trying to be sober when that is not what you have know for so so long. It does get the message across. It just made it look easier than what most people go through. See more Kathy V @RT64332554 Aug 26, 2026 This was a really good movie. Great acting portraying alcoholics by Aaron Paul and Elizabeth Winstead. See more Briana I. @Anaire May 30, 2026 This was a decent movie about alcohol addiction, it wasn't the most developed or thought provoking drama I've seen but I'd say both of the main actors/actresses did a good job in they're roles. It was one of those movies that once you saw it you don't need to see it again. See more Faiz D @RT95588871 May 13, 2025 Mary Elizabeth Winstead is at her best, delivering a gutsy, intelligent performance as a young married school teacher dealing with out-of-control behavior. See more Babz J @RT93301621 Feb 18, 2025 I first saw this film when it was released and it had an impact on me then. Revisiting it now I am even more impressed by the subtlety of the script, which is sensitive and honest and even funny, but without poking fun at any of its characters. This feels like a very contemporary story about alcoholism and for a generation where binge drinking is normalized and acceptable. Winstead delivers a generous and warm performance that feels authentic and natural. It's a small film with a big theme. See more Read all reviews
Smashed

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Cast & Crew

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James Ponsoldt

Director

Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Kate

Aaron Paul

Charlie

Nick Offerman

Mr. Davies

Megan Mullally

Principal Barnes

Kyle Gallner

Owen Hannah

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Smashed

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Movie Info

Synopsis Los Angeles schoolteacher Kate (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and her husband, Charlie (Aaron Paul), each have a drinking problem. Up to now, her life seems like one big, boozy party, but her latest drinking binge catches up to her at work, and she later spends the night alone on the street. Kate now realizes that she has hit rock bottom. She agrees to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings with the school's vice principal (Nick Offerman) and takes her first step on the challenging road to sobriety.
Director
James Ponsoldt
Producer
Jonathan Schwartz, Andrea Sperling, Jennifer Cochis
Screenwriter
James Ponsoldt, Susan Burke
Distributor
Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co
Super Crispy Entertainment
Rating
R (Brief Drug Use|Alcohol Abuse|Language|Some Sexual Content)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 12, 2012, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Feb 25, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA)
$376.0K
Runtime
1h 21m
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