An exceptional look at alcoholism, Smashed tells the story of Kate (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), a third grade teacher who hits rock bottom in the opening moments of the film as she finds herself vomiting in front of her students. Kate's assistant principal Dave (Nick Offerman) asks her to join Alcoholics Anonymous. Her job in jeopardy, she agrees and is soon in the hands of a supportive sponsor (Octavia Spencer). Kate's husband Charlie (Aaron Paul) is her drinking buddy, and he struggles to understand her decision to quit. The serious but not depressing Smashed tracks the impact quitting has on their marriage.

"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." (Michael Nordine, Village Voice)