Elisabeth Moss spirals out of control in Her Smell, the latest from director Alex Ross Perry.
Punk musician Becky has seen the highs and lows of her industry, and at the start of this film, she’s at a low point. Addiction has eaten away at her professional and personal life, going far beyond the cool messiness of a punk rock persona. She, along with everyone else, is at their wits end, and it’s on her to bring it all back under control or risk losing everything for good.
Writer and director Alex Ross Perry has dipped into the tragic before, but judging from the response to Her Smell’s festival run, it seems that he’s taken it to a new level here. This won’t be a sanitized version of a raging addict but a sad, irritating one. That would be more realistic but also would be more punishing for the viewer, so be aware going in that this may not be a fun time at the movies.
That being said, it would provide a wonderful showcase for Moss, who would get to navigate keeping this character abrasive without losing the audience. A tough task, for sure, but one that the Emmy-winning actress should be able to handle. Backing her up is a solid supporting cast that includes Cara Delevingne, Dan Stevens, and Agyness Deyn.
It looks like this film will live or die on Moss and Perry’s work, and considering their track records, Her Smell seems like it could be worth seeking out.
Her Smell is directed by Alex Ross Perry and stars Elisabeth Moss, Cara Delevingne, and Dan Stevens. It will be released in the US on April 12th, 2019. For international release dates, click here.
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