I Smile Back

I Smile Back

Year: 2015

Runtime: 85 min

Language: English

Director: Adam Salky

Drama

Beneath the surface of a seemingly perfect suburban existence, Laney Brooks battles a hidden struggle with depression and a growing sense of disillusionment. As she grapples with her inner turmoil, her secrets begin to jeopardize her relationships and the life she’s built. To confront the destructive patterns driving her behavior, Laney must risk exposing her vulnerabilities and fighting for a chance to rediscover her authentic self and find a path toward healing.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – I Smile Back (2015)

Trace every key event in I Smile Back (2015) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Laney's Retreat

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.

New York
2

Morning Turmoil

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.

Morning Brook's Home
3

Commute Challenges

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.

Morning On the Road
4

Conversation with Donny

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.

Unknown Location
5

Reckless Decisions

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.

Evening Brook's Home
6

Hitting Rock Bottom

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.

Rehabilitation Center
7

Family Fallout

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.

Rehabilitation Center
8

Confiding in Dr. Page

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.

Rehabilitation Center
9

Return Home

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.

Brook's Home
10

Celebrating Susan's Pregnancy

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.

Donny's Restaurant
11

Family Revelations

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.

Hotel near Roger's House
12

Spiraling Downward

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.

Brook's Home
13

Eli's Piano Recital

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.

Piano Recital Venue
14

Crises Lead to Recklessness

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.

City Streets
15

Facing Consequences

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.

Early Dawn Brook's Home

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 14:12

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I Smile Back Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in I Smile Back

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