Smashed tells a familiar story with subtle simplicity, never beating the audience over the head with its themes or ideas.

While writer/director James Ponsoldt's screenplay tends to saunter along at times as it seeps further into starkness, Winstead and Paul's performances will keep you engaged until the end.

A film that's good on general atmosphere, totally sincere and not too sentimental.

This may be Winstead's show, but Ponsoldt displays a remarkable restraint that demonstrates a keen directorial instinct.