I Smile Back

In the perfect suburban landscape of New York, Laney Brooks finds herself retreating into the solitude of the bathroom. This space becomes a refuge for her as she reflects on the chaos surrounding her life, particularly a recent argument with her husband Bruce about their new pet.

As the morning light fills the home, Laney grapples with feelings of inner turmoil, significantly heightened by her son Eli's nighttime fears. These fears awaken her protective instincts, compelling her to soothe him amidst her own growing distress.

During her morning commute, Laney encounters various challenges that amplify her agitation. From a relentless traffic guard to stringent school security measures and the reluctant separation from her children, each hurdle adds to her mounting frustrations, which she tries to alleviate by lighting a cigarette.

Seeking relief from her discontent, Laney engages in passionate yet disdainful encounters with Donny, Susan's husband. Their interactions ignite a spark within her, marking the beginning of her chaotic emotional journey.

That evening, the tension at the dinner table escalates when Eli voices his friends' critical opinions, triggering harsh words among family members. As Laney struggles, she turns to alcohol, leading to reckless decisions, including a binge on pills and cocaine.

Laney reaches a breaking point when Bruce intervenes and takes her to a rehabilitation center. Initially resistant to the help provided, her stay in the facility forces her to confront painful memories, particularly regarding her father's abandonment.

As Laney works through her rehabilitation, she sees the impact of her addiction on her loved ones, especially on Eli and Janey. Visits from her family heighten her anxiety when she observes Eli developing a tic, an unfortunate reminder of the consequences of her actions.

In her search for comfort, Laney confides her struggles in Dr. Page, expressing her desire to find joy and hope once more. The doctor's advice to take her medication and believe in herself resonates deeply with her as she strives for redemption.

Upon completing her rehabilitation, Laney returns to her family, and they gather for a celebration filled with cake and laughter. Despite the joyous occasion, underlying anxieties surface during a counseling session where Eli expresses fears related to her rehab.

During a celebration for Susan's pregnancy at Donny's restaurant, Laney's chaotic tendencies come to the forefront as she insults another couple. This incident highlights her inability to navigate social situations without conflict, revealing her ongoing struggles.

The chaos escalates during a seminar trip when Laney meets her half-sister, Daisy, which leads to shocking revelations about her family's past. The encounter forces Laney to confront painful truths about her grandmother's death, intensifying her sense of instability.

After a confrontation with Bruce, Laney finds herself spiraling back into despair, drowning her sorrows in alcohol. This descent forces her into isolation, creating a chasm between her and her children as they stay with Bruce's sister.

A fleeting moment of solace occurs during Eli's piano recital, yet the applause quickly fades for Laney as she retreats to the bathroom to escape her overwhelming emotions. This return to her coping mechanisms signals a relapse into her struggles.

Laney's attempt to cope with her emotions leads her to a night of recklessness that culminates in a dangerous drug binge. Escaping reality in a reckless drive, she closes her eyes and careens through traffic, seeking to escape the unbearable pressures of her life.

After a series of events leave her battered and bloodied, Laney stumbles home to face Bruce's harsh judgment. As the early dawn breaks, she steps into the light burdened by the weight of her choices, signaling a tumultuous journey that is far from over.