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'I Smile Back' Trailer: Watch Sarah Silverman in Her Most Dramatic Role Yet

Sarah Silverman has been sharpening her dramatic acting chops in films like the forthcoming Ashby and the Showtime series Masters of Sex, but I Smile Back represents the biggest seismic shift away from comedy for the 44-year-old performer.

As shown in the movie’s first trailer (above), Silverman plays Laney, a New Jersey mother and wife (to her Masters co-star Josh Charles). Laney appears to be living the American dream, but she leads a secret life, one where she’s overcome by destructive behavior and deep depression. If she can only resolve the root of her problems — her relationship with her father — she might have a chance to pull herself out.

The heavy drama received mixed reviews at Sundance earlier this year, though critics agree: Silverman commits to this acutely emotional warts-and-all depiction of a woman spiraling out of control.

I Smile Back opens in select theaters Oct. 23.