Crwthod
A lot more amusing than I thought it would be.
BeSummers
Funny, strange, confrontational and subversive, this is one of the most interesting experiences you'll have at the cinema this year.
Maleeha Vincent
It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.
yelofneb-63037
I've always loved Sarah Silverman's gutsy and honest presentation of herself. If she was to bump into me in the street and demand that I listen to whatever she wanted to say, I would willingly be stuck there, until whenever she was done, solely because of her wit and honesty.I Smile Back is a whole new venture, in that the character she plays, while having the strength of defensive belligerence, is actually completely at a loss about how to play a proper part in the world that she thought she always wanted, mostly due to the fact that there is another world that she secretly left behind.There is no bravado lone comic at play here--just a brave actress delivering a difficult and unattractive character, who remains nonetheless sympathetic--whether or not the audience is aware of Sarah Silverman.
kay_rock
This is one of the films that makes the loss of the film/show-specific message boards such a tragedy. There could have been so much valuable discussion. I saw someone in a review questioning whether depression could have caused her to make those decisions. She wasn't depressed. She had bipolar disorder. The fact that she was prescribed lithium and the fact that we learn from that brief visit with her father that his mother suffered from mental illness establishes that pretty clearly, even though they never say the words. It was a fabulous depiction of bipolar disorder. Usually we get almost hyperbolic examples of the disease. This was much more realistic.I think if we'd gotten a redemptive, happy ending, the film would have lost something valuable. As much as my heart broke watching her stumble out the door under the baffled, hurt gaze of her husband, I knew that was the only ending that would have made sense. I hated it and I loved it.Sarah Silverman's performance was stellar. As a fan of hers, I don't know how I missed this film when it came out, or how I hadn't heard of it before I saw it while browsing through Amazon Prime. She has a depth of performance that really exceeded expectation, for me. Even her moments of joy were heartbreaking.I think it's well worth a watch, but be prepared to feel really, really sad. Also steel yourself for a fairly violent and unexpected scene near the end. For some folks it can be jarring/triggering.
peferguson
Laney (Sarah Silverman) is part of what appears to be a wonderful family; a doting husband, two lovely kids living in a large, beautiful home. Those thoughts led me to the truth of it all as, Laney traveled into her personal abyss. The surprise is Silverman's performance. Best known for lighter, comedic fare: "Who's The Caboose?", "School of Rock" and "Wreck It Ralph", Silverman delivers an award worthy performance. I was fixated on her talents displayed here. Who knew that a primarily stand-up comedienne, could play such a difficult role so convincingly. Josh Charles and Thomas Sadowski are adequate in their roles, but this is Silverman's movie. Strictly for adult viewing and highly entertaining for those of us who are able to endure a dark drama, I do recommend "I Smile Back".
brian-143-373071
This, although slow at times is a powerful insight into the devastation of mental illness and addiction. I thought the acting was powerful and true to life. The film shows how devastating a childhood loss or event can be and that it scars for life. What may seem like something one can move on from, can take hold of your life due to childhood scars being so deeply embedded. As I watched I couldn't help but think she was the girl who had everything. The beautiful family, the loving husband, the beautiful house and car etc. Never judge a book by its cover. I have experienced this disease in person and found this to shake me right through as it was so true to life. Someone with experience of this disease will find this film rather upsetting and a stark reminder of how important it is to tell your kids you love them and that you will always have their back. If the devastation of addiction doesn't interest you, you may want to skip this one. If you are in recovery...this is a must see!
