Streaming giant Netflix is bolstering its acclaimed library of literary adaptations with the addition of a powerful drama film later this month. I Smile Back, based on Amy Koppelman's novel of the same name, will be available for streaming from November 29.
A Stellar Dramatic Turn
The film features comedian Sarah Silverman in a critically acclaimed dramatic role, a departure from her usual work. She portrays Elaine "Laney" Brooks, an affluent wife and mother grappling with severe mental health issues and substance abuse. When the film was first released in 2015, Silverman's raw performance was met with widespread praise from audiences and critics alike.
Her powerful portrayal was recognised with a nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role at the 22nd Screen Actors Guild Awards the following year, cementing her status as a serious dramatic actress.
Availability for UK Audiences
There is, however, a significant catch for viewers in the United Kingdom. I Smile Back will be arriving exclusively on Netflix US, meaning it will not be available to stream on the UK version of the platform.
Fortunately, British audiences are not completely locked out. The film is already accessible for those who wish to see it, available for rental or purchase via Prime Video or the Sky Store.
Audience and Critical Reception
Supporters of the film have been vocal on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes. One viewer, Jerod S, commented on the film's unsettling nature, stating: "I Smile Back is meant to make you irk at the pain of addiction, especially as a parent in a family. Silverman makes the viewer so uncomfortable, just like it was meant to be."
Another unnamed reviewer highlighted the intensity of the performance, noting: "Sarah Silverman's performance is raw and utterly convincing. A dark, unflinching look at self-destruction that will not be to everyone's taste." A third simply called it her "best work yet."
The critical consensus on Rotten Tomatoes summarised the film as a "powerful showcase for Sarah Silverman's dramatic range," though it suggested the movie itself might not fully live up to the depth of her committed performance.
Praise for the Original Novel
The film is based on the original 2008 novel by Amy Koppelman, which itself was met with considerable praise. Readers on Goodreads described the book as "heartbreakingly beautiful." Joey Gremillion wrote: "Very, very dark and very, very lovely writing. The reader is compelled to identify and sympathize with Laney, a depressed, alcoholic and drug-addicted housewife, who has it all but is unhappy."
Author Darin Strauss praised Koppelman's work, saying she "probes deeply into the dark and cavernous recesses of a picture-perfect suburban mom, and emerges with one of the most terrifying novels I've read in ages. It's a glorious little explosion of a book."
While the film's arrival on Netflix is limited to the US, the powerful story and Sarah Silverman's unforgettable performance remain accessible to determined UK film enthusiasts through other digital platforms.
