After building a successful career as a comedic performer,Sarah Silvermanmakes the transition to drama seamlessly in the first trailer forI Smile Back. The film debuted at the SundanceFilm Festivalback in January, and was acquired byBroad Green Picturesin March. The film debuts in theaters October 23, but it will have a Special Presentation screening tomorrow night, Saturday, September 12 at the Toronto International Film Festival.
LaneySarah Silverman) is an attractive, intelligent suburban wife and devoted mother of two adorable children. She has the perfect husband who plays basketball with the kids in the driveway, a pristine house, and a shiny SUV for carting the children to their next activity. However, just beneath the façade lie depression and disillusionment that send her careening into a secret world of reckless compulsion. Only very real danger will force her to face the painful root of her destructiveness and its crumbling effect on those she loves.
At the core ofI Smile Back’s power is an indelible performance.Sarah Silvermanreinvents herself as a dramatic actress in the career-defining, intensely layered, and heartbreaking role of Laney. Deftly directed by Adam Salky (Dare, 2009 Sundance Film Festival),I Smile Backis at times darkly humorous but also harrowing and unflinching as an authentic, humanizing portrait that offers no easy resolution for a damaged woman struggling to come to terms with herself.
The supporting cast is rounded out by Josh Charles, Thomas Sadoski, Mia Barron, Skylar Gaertner, Shayne Coleman, Sean Reda,Billy Magnussen, Kristin Griffith and Oona Laurence. Adam Salky directs from a script by Paige Dylan and Amy Koppelman. Given the buzz that has been swirling around this film all year, it could be in contention for a fewOscarsby the end of this year, but it’s too soon to tell right now.
I Smile Backopens in limited theaters on October 23, a busy weekend for wide and platform releases alike. Opening in wide release isBurnt,Jem and the Holograms,The Last Witch Hunter,Paranormal Activity: The Ghost DimensionandRock the Kasbah, while indiesSuffragetteand Difret also open in limited release. While it’s too early to tell who will come out on top at thebox officefor now, check out the firsttrailerforI Smile Backbelow.
