I Smile Back

Laney Brooks is a striking, intelligent suburban mom of two who seems to have everything under control. Her husband is supportive, the house is immaculate, and the family calendar runs smoothly. But beneath the polished exterior a slow mood of emptiness grows, nudging her toward risky impulses she keeps hidden. What begins as small indulgences soon spirals into dangerous compulsions that threaten her relationships. As the consequences mount, Laney's life starts to unravel and those around her feel the tremors of her choices. A crisis finally forces her to face the roots of her destructiveness and the impact on her loved ones, with painful honesty and consequence. The film avoids easy answers, letting consequences linger after the credits.

Released in 2015, the drama was directed by Adam Salky and adapts the novel by Amy Koppelman and Paige Dylan. The cast includes Sarah Silverman, Josh Charles, and Thomas Sadoski, delivering an intimate study of a woman in crisis.

Critics highlighted the film's unflinching look at depression, addiction and the pressure of the perfect family image. It uses Laney's volatile behavior to examine how far a mother will go to numb pain while keeping up appearances. Silverman's performance anchors the drama, balancing danger with tenderness and restraint for families.

No major awards or nominations are documented for the film. It circulated mainly through independent circuits and streaming services. The reception focused on the subject matter and Silverman's dramatic turn, with critics praising the film's willingness to confront taboo topics in a grounded, intimate way. It appeared at film festivals.

Even as a smaller release, the film contributes to ongoing conversations about mental health and the hidden costs of maintaining a flawless home life. Silverman's shift from comedy to a dramatic lead drew attention and opened doors for performers to explore heavier material without stigma, sparking future discussions across audiences.