Metacritic Movie Ratings
Smashed Reviews

A sample of reviews from critics across the country.

• 91

  out of 100

  Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum

  What's new about the unsensationalized portrait of one-day-at-a-time progress (and setbacks) is the low-key energy of this drunks' tale, by and for a generation with a high tolerance for humor and a low tolerance for soapiness.

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• 90

  out of 100

  The New York TimesStephen Holden

  The degree to which Smashed refuses to indulge a voyeuristic taste for the kind of sordid details exploited by reality television amounts to an unspoken declaration of principle. In lieu of self-pity, Smashed substitutes tough love.

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• 90

  out of 100

  Village Voice

  Movies about drugs and alcohol might be a dime (bag) a dozen, but James Ponsoldt's Smashed is so beautifully shot and well acted as to transcend the genre.

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• 90

  out of 100

  The Hollywood ReporterTodd McCarthy

  Its sharp writing and essential credibility make this small, intimate tale fresh and involving.

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• 88

  out of 100

  Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert

  This is a serious movie about drinking but not a depressing one. You notice that in the way it handles Charlie (Aaron Paul), Kate's husband. He is also her drinking buddy. When two alcoholics are married, they value each other's company because they know they can expect forgiveness and understanding, while a civilian might not choose to share their typical days.

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• 80

  out of 100

  VarietyJustin Chang

  A terrific performance by Mary Elizabeth Winstead as a rock-bottom alcoholic is only one reason to appreciate Smashed, an affecting and immersive addiction drama about the unforeseen pitfalls along the road to recovery.

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• 75

  out of 100

  USA TodayClaudia Puig

  Smashed is quietly affecting, though sometimes difficult to sit through. The saving grace is Winstead's smashing performance.

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• 70

  out of 100

  Los Angeles Times

  Winstead, who appears in nearly every scene, can be compelling but, like the material, often pushes too hard, especially in Kate's climactic dive off the wagon. In a far more limited role, Paul is lower-key and convincing.

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• 63

  out of 100

  Chicago TribuneMichael Phillips

  Feels different from most recovering-train-wreck stories. The movie is a tidy relaying of a messy situation involving two reasonably functional middle-class LA alcoholics, one of whom gets serious about cleaning up a lot sooner than the other.

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See all Smashed movie reviews at Metacritic.com