Smithereens: A Look at 80s NYC

Smithereens is a punk, female lead, film that is also a window into grungy NYC in the 80s. It feels super authentic and as annoying as she is I couldn't help but fall in love with Wren, the tenacious protagonist with rock and roll aspirations. The plot felt a bit repetitive and frustrating at times, as Wren consistently used kind-hearted Paul and was used by narcissistic Eric, but the aesthetic of the film made it a great watch nonetheless.

Paul is also just the most lovable character, and despite the slightly underwhelming ending, (spoilers!!) I'm glad Paul got out of the city and away from Wren. I wanted them to end up together but it is good that Wren did not get away with treating him as something disposable, as Eric did to her. Paul was truly too good for the corruption of NYC, but that is exactly where Wren belongs.

I would recommend Smithereens to anyone who really likes seeing the gritty old NYC. Wren is also such a compelling character: simultaneously smart and a fool, tough yet vulnerable, determined yet directionless.