Directed by
Alex Ross Perry
Made by
Gunpowder & Sky
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.
Backstage Moment
In the opening scene, lead vocalist Becky Something finishes a vibrant performance and heads backstage for a private session with her shaman. Here, she experiences a rollercoaster of emotions, ranging from joy to aggression, while her bandmates and ex-husband try to steer her towards healthier choices amidst her inebriation.
Struggles in the Studio
Months later, the band attempts to record their highly anticipated album but faces significant difficulty. Drummer Ali van der Wolff becomes frustrated with the progress and decides to quit, leading to the exit of bassist Marielle Hell, leaving manager Howard in distress as he tries to cope with their chaotic situation.
Showdown Before the Stage
In a tense dynamic shift, Becky arrives late to an opening performance for the famous Akergirls, drawing the attention of a film crew. During the chaos, she lashes out at her mother Ania and her ex-husband Danny, culminating in an explosive confrontation that highlights her turbulent relationships.
Family Conflicts
Years later, a sober Becky has her daughter Tama visit, but the moment is overshadowed by legal troubles. As Dan delivers paperwork detailing lawsuits against her, Becky struggles with expressing her love for Tama while grappling with her own destructive past and fears about leaving her home.
Reflecting on the Past
In a surreal moment, Becky recounts a dream from a past life to her daughter, attempting to explain her cruel tendencies and the burdens of her narcissism. This introspective moment reveals her flawed reasoning and emotional struggles as she interacts with her family.
The Long Wait
Fast forward eleven years since Howard first managed the band, and four years since they last performed together. The band members, now distant from each other, come together for a rare showcase event, filled with anticipation and nerves as they prepare to play just one song.
Facing Performance Anxiety
As the moment of their performance approaches, Becky feels overwhelmed by anxiety. To calm her nerves, she turns to her fellow bandmates for comfort and participates in a seance, hoping it will bolster her courage to face the crowd and subsequently step on stage.
A Glimmer of Hope
After overcoming her fears, Becky successfully performs with her bandmates, demonstrating a moment of triumph. The supportive atmosphere and collective effort signify a milestone in their troubled history, reigniting her passion for music after years of struggles.
Refusing to Continue
Following the performance, the audience is buzzing with excitement, prompting Howard to suggest they play another song. However, Becky surprises everyone by stating she is done for the night, prioritizing her relationship with her daughter over the music.
Embracing Family
In a heartfelt conclusion, Becky turns her attention to her daughter Tama, taking a moment to enjoy her familiar scent. This act symbolizes her desire to prioritize her familial bond over the chaos of her music career as the screen fades to black.
Becky Something (Elisabeth Moss)
Becky is a volatile lead singer plagued by addiction and emotional instability. Her passionate nature brings her both artistic brilliance and personal chaos, pushing her bandmates and family away while yearning for acceptance and love. Despite her struggles, glimmers of vulnerability reveal her desire for redemption and connection with her daughter.
Howard Goodman (Eric Stoltz)
Howard serves as the band's manager, trying to maintain stability amidst the chaos of Becky's life. He is portrayed as a dedicated yet frustrated figure, caught between supporting Becky and managing the band's diminishing prospects. His character highlights the burdens of leadership in the unpredictable world of rock music.
'Dirtbag' Danny (Dan Stevens)
Danny, Becky's ex-husband, faces the dual role of being a supportive figure and a target for Becky's erratic behavior. His character reflects the complexities of love and loyalty, showcasing the emotional challenges of maintaining a relationship with someone struggling with addiction.
Time period
Contemporary, spanning eleven years
Set in contemporary times, the film spans over a decade, showcasing the ups and downs of Becky and her band. It captures the fleeting moments of fame and the toll that addiction, relationships, and ambition take on both personal and professional fronts.
Location
Backstage, Recording Studio, Home, Performance Venue
The movie traverses intimate settings such as backstage areas bustling with rock energy, a recording studio filled with frustration and collaboration, and the warmth of home during key family interactions. Each location plays a critical role in reflecting the chaotic yet passionate life of a punk rock band, *Something She*, while also highlighting the personal struggles of its lead singer, Becky.
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Redemption
The theme of redemption is prevalent as Becky journeys from chaos and self-destruction to sobriety and reconciliation. Throughout the film, her attempts to amend her past mistakes while navigating the complexities of motherhood illustrate the difficult road to healing and acceptance.
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Self-Destruction
Becky's character embodies the theme of self-destruction, as her impulsive actions lead to personal and professional crises. Her tumultuous relationships and erratic behavior often stand in stark contrast to her underlying desire for connection and stability.
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Fame's Price
The film delves into the price of fame, showcasing how it affects Becky and her bandmates. It highlights the emotional toll and stress that accompany their rise in popularity, reflecting on the darker side of the glamorous music industry.
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