Her Smell

       Written and directed by Alex Ross Perry, the film stars Elizabeth Moss as Becky Something, the leader of a female punk rock band,  "Something She". Becky is a wild, out of control rock star on a serious downward spiral. Ms. Moss is brilliant in a role unlike anything she has ever done.

         Her bass player, Marielle, played by Agyness Deyn, and drummer Ali, played by Gayle Rankin, love and support her but both are reaching their breaking points, dealing with her attitude and outrageous behavior. The three women have terrific chemistry but the film clearly belongs to Ms. Moss. Also featured are Eric Stoltz, as Howard, the long suffering manager, Dan Stevens as her husband, Danny, trying to raise their daughter amidst Becky's madness, Virginia Madsen as Becky's mother and Amber Heard as Zelda, a rival singer. 

           The film is presented in five segments representing different point in Becky's life with the band. A pivotal moment is when Howard signs a new girl band played by Cara Delevingne, Ashley Benson, and Dylan Gelula. Feeling threatened at first, Becky lashes out but then tries acceptance using them to back her up on new songs that never really materialize. 

           The plot is fairly simple, following Becky's descent until she hits rock bottom and then possibly redemption.  Ms. Moss gives such a powerful  and brave performance, I hope she is remembered at award season.