Laura Smiles

Laura Smiles is an emotionally charged drama that dwells on the complexities of human emotions and relationships. The film gets its name from the lead character, Laura, played by Petra Wright, whose life takes an unexpected turn, leading her to experience a myriad of emotions.

At the onset, we’re introduced to Laura, a woman seemingly content with her suburban, homely life. Living with her husband Mark, played by Kip Pardue, and their son, she embodies the role of a loving wife and doting mother. Equally important are the daily mundane chores and the small joys they derive from simple living. The day starts with Mark leaving for work followed by Laura's routine, dropping her son at school. Add in the plans for a weekend getaway and family dinners, and you have a picturesque portrait of a suburban family enjoying life's simplicities.

Yet, underlying this serenity is a tragedy from Laura's past. The sudden, accidental death of her first love unraveled her life, placing her on a path that ultimately led her to the calm and steady life she leads now. But as tumultuous as it was, it carved Laura into the resilient, vivacious, and seemingly grounded woman that you see. As echoes of her past start to resurface, Laura finds herself contemplating her life choices.

In "Laura Smiles," director Jason Ruscio delivers an engaging narrative that seamlessly shifts between different timelines. We're given glimpses of Laura's past life where she led a free-spirited, bohemian lifestyle with her first love Chris, played by Mark Derwin. The stark contrast between her past and present life is subtly highlighted through Laura’s demeanor and emotional upheavals. While she personifies a cheerful woman, her grief surfaces through poignant moments that subtly unravel her suppressed turmoil. It’s this duality that keeps you intrigued about Laura's character.

Petra Wright as Laura shines and is the backbone of the film. Her powerful performance draws you into her world, keeping you engrossed in Laura's journey. Wright adeptly portrays the rollercoaster of emotions Laura endures as she oscillates between her past and present. Her facades of strength and vulnerability are brilliantly balanced, making her character relatable and genuine.

Kip Pardue as Mark forms a perfect contrast to Laura. He's content, affable, and satisfied with their life. His presence underscores Laura's layered character, and their interactions provide a nuanced take on relationships. Just as interesting is their son’s bond with Laura, offering a warm and real portrayal of a mother-child relationship. Mark Derwin is also impressive in his brief but pivotal role as Chris.

In addition to its riveting narrative and stellar performances, the film is further accentuated with its striking cinematography. The filmmakers have consciously used colors and shadows to reflect Laura's emotional spectrum.

Laura Smiles is a thought-provoking drama that will make you ponder life's unpredictability, the inexplainable nature of emotions, and the complexities of human relationships. It presents a poignant tale of how trauma could hide behind smiles, underscoring the need to face and acknowledge buried emotions. A compelling watch, it takes you through an emotional rollercoaster, where you find yourself empathizing with Laura's experiences.

At its core, the movie underlines the universality of human emotions and experience. Laura could be anyone, dealing with life's challenges, experiencing love, happiness, and grief, and trying to make sense of her existence. It is a poignant yet beautiful reminder that human emotions are deeply intertwined with our past, and to truly move forward, one must confront and reconcile with their past.

A must-watch film, Laura Smiles will leave you reflecting upon your own life, relationships, and the internal conflicts that each of us grapples with. Its portrayal of a woman's emotional journey and the exploration of her past and present nuances is a cinematic experience that is both enriching and captivating.