Her Smell 2019

The film unfolds across five unique scenes, interspersed with home movie footage capturing the early successes of the punk rock band, Something She. These clips show the band on magazine covers, in the midst of photo shoots, and celebrating their gold records.

In the opening scene, after a spirited performance, the lead vocalist, Becky Something, heads backstage for a brief session with her personal shaman. Her emotions swing unpredictably, oscillating between moments of joy and aggression. As her bandmates, ex-husband Danny, manager Howard Goodman, and a former collaborator try to coax her toward healthier life choices—like recording their next album, committing to future performances, and aiming for stability for her child—things take a turn. This chaotic encounter concludes with Becky stumbling while carrying her infant, succumbing to her inebriation and vomiting on herself.

The second vignette finds Something She struggling in the studio months later to lay down tracks for their anticipated album. Frustration mounts for drummer Ali van der Wolff, who decides to quit, soon followed by bassist Marielle Hell. This leaves their distraught manager Howard, who is trying to clear the studio for his new band, Akergirls. Nevertheless, Becky digs in her heels and interrupts their recording session.

In the third scene, we see the band dynamic shift following the newfound fame of Akergirls. Becky is set to open for them but arrives two hours late, draped in a film crew’s attention, and begins yelling at Danny and her mother Ania. They remain some of her last connections who tolerate her erratic behavior. When Ania hands her some paperwork from her estranged father, Becky erupts in fury, culminating in physical aggression toward Ali before she takes the stage, where she collapses into yet another stupor.

Fast forward several years, and the story takes a gentler turn as a sober Becky welcomes her young daughter, Tama, on a visit. As Dan drops off Tama, he hands over legal documentation that outlines various lawsuits against Becky and also mentions that Mari is accompanying them. Becky shares brief, tender exchanges with her visitors, but her mindset appears unsteady. She expresses fears that leaving her home could harm her and that her deep love for her daughter might bring about destruction. In almost surreal fashion, she recounts a dream from a past life, which she believes rationalizes her cruelty and narcissism towards her ex.

In the final act, a full eleven years have gone by since Howard first took on Something She, and four years have slipped since they last performed together. Now reunited, they prepare for a showcase event inclusive of all Howard’s notable musical acts where they will play just a single song. Overcome with nerves, Becky leans on her fellow musicians to participate in a seance that grants her the courage to step onto the stage. Although her loved ones express concern as she momentarily steps away, she ultimately returns, ready to perform. After a successful collaboration, they take to the backstage where Howard insists the crowd is eager for another number. However, Becky simply replies that she is done for the night, choosing instead to embrace Tama and take in her familiar scent, as the screen fades to black.