I like the story that's being told, and I love a film with a majority female cast, but the result is not for me. After struggling to get through the first chapters, the last two are a lot more enjoyable.
I can see why some people will like this film, but as I have little appreciation for punk, and as the film had little in the way of proper character development, it did little to engage me. It didn't stink then, but I longed for a more fragrant narrative.
Some will struggle with Her Smells somewhat antagonistic pacing throughout, a by-design meandering look at the spiralling of a drug-addled rockstar who is alienating everyone around her in the most tumultuous, aggrevating ways possible. It's a shame to read so many impressions that feel the movie is overly long, as I believe this stagnant look at the character during this difficult time makes it all the more impactful when we eventually see her rise and redemption through sobriety, self acceptance and the steadfast support of her loved ones. Her Smell shines on so many fronts, it's a shame that it is being so overlooked by both critics and viewers alike. If you like superbly acted character studies and are OK to sit through some (purposefully) uncomfortably paced scenes, Her Smell will make an excemplory addition to your 2019 catchup list.
Her Smell is the real deal. Unfortunately, everyones don't want the real deal. Everyones want Hollywood glitz and pop glamour, whereas Her Smell delivers blemishes and pungent estrogen.
Where else but Her Smell can you find edges both rough and dull? Beauty sacrificed to the cult of ugly? A group of women tone deaf to your whinging? Oh yeah, you can also find them in full bore tits to the mosh pit riot grrrl rock and roll.
Elizabeth Moss leaps into the role of the 90s era female punk star (and yes, that is her singing all the songs) like some people leap off buildings: with no safety net and without caring what happens next.
This cross of Sid and Nancy with Van Sant's Last Days (complete with a noise track that imbues you with a sense of dread and fear) will piss the right people of with its rudderless deviation into the sea of feminist grunge, and perhaps my favourite part about the film is that it gives not even the slightest shit what you think about it.
Review by DeletedBlockedParent2019-03-16T21:22:24Z
Dirty, potent and intoxicated. Her Smell is a claustrophobic chug of realism that was perhaps even more uncomfortable for me, as I watched this just after I woke up. It's a movie that struggles to balance, but this is all on purpose - it's unique, and I love it for that.
Elisabeth Moss is phenomenal. Just outstanding, and will, for sure, end up being in my top 10 female performances of 2019 (despite this only being my second 2019 film). The way she transforms into this self-destructing mess was sublime and her performance reeked! I could smell the alcohol on her breath. She is, without a doubt, one of the largest strengths of the film...but the movie has some crazy visuals too, and has a lot of daring storytelling that will certainly split audiences.
I was anticipating something meaty, and I got that but it's like Alex Ross Perry shoved that meat in his mouth and spat it back at me.
"Inward, hoes!"
I was afraid one of these women would throw an electric guitar at me, but also enjoyed this fear. I enjoyed having a lump in my throat too snaggy to swallow. My sort of film, I guess.
Great film; I wouldn't be surprised if this ends up being in my top 10 of the year.
violently sticks tongue out