Director Alex Ross Perry specialises in unlikable protagonists. His film Listen Up Phillip explores the life of author Phillip, who is manipulative and deeply conceited, and Queen of Earth portrays the psychological descent of Catherine, a woman who is nothing but cruel to the people around her.
In his 2018 drama Her Smell, Perry introduces audiences to Becky Something (played by Elisabeth Moss) – a self-destructive punk rocker who is completely and utterly out of control. The film opens with a 24-minute scene that tracks Becky and her band Something She as they perform the last gig of their American tour. The scene is chaotic and dizzying as we watch the way Becky’s manic persona thrills the crowd but damages her personal relationships, and there is something refreshing about seeing a female character that is so unpleasant.
Perry’s ability to balance tension and humour can be seen in the backstage spiritual ritual scene, which is so outrageous that you can’t help but laugh.
Elisabeth Moss delivers a performance that is more than convincing and is absolutely magnetic on camera – especially during her heart-warming rendition of Heaven by Bryan Adams.
Her Smell is grungy, bloody and downright shocking at times – a must see.
Jacinthe Lau