Anna Faris' Hilarious Stoner Odyssey

Gregg Araki's 2007 film Smiley Face, starring Anna Faris, presents a unique take on the stoner comedy genre. Faris portrays Jane, an economics student who, after consuming weed-infused cupcakes, finds herself in an "astronomical state of high." This plunges her into a series of comedic errors as she tries to complete simple tasks like attending an audition and paying a power bill.

While released three years after Araki's acclaimed drama Mysterious Skin, Smiley Face ventured into lighter territory. However, it subverts typical stoner tropes by making Jane's experience less of a whimsical romp and more of a "downright terrifying" ordeal, marked by paranoia and sensory overload. Jane's solo journey distinguishes it from male-dominated stoner films, offering a portrayal that is both "frustratingly endearing" and "enchanting and unhinged."

Despite its merits, Smiley Face has yet to achieve widespread cult classic status, though Anna Faris did earn a "Stonnette of the Year" award from High Times magazine. The film's blend of silliness and underlying hints of existential crisis has aged well, offering a nostalgic yet relatable viewing experience in 2026.