What Is Smiley Face About?
The premise of Smiley Face in 302 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a sun‑lit slice of Los Angeles that feels both familiar and slightly off‑kilter, Jane drifts through a day that quickly slips from ordinary to wildly absurd. A laid‑back aspiring actress with a penchant for baking and a love of cannabis, she wakes to a routine of lazy mornings, snacks, and the comforting hum of her modest apartment. The world she inhabits is one where the everyday and the surreal coexist, letting the ordinary—like a batch of cupcakes—become a catalyst for unexpected chaos.
When a seemingly harmless treat turns out to be infused with more than sugar, Jane finds herself caught in a cascade of frantic obligations. A looming audition, a bill that must be paid before the lights go out, and a mysterious debt she feels compelled to settle all loom large, each demanding her attention while her perception wobbles under the influence. The tone balances light‑hearted stoner comedy with a creeping sense of urgency, as the city’s neon backdrop reflects both the humor and the underlying tension of her escalating to‑do list.
As the day unfolds, Jane encounters a parade of quirky strangers and unlikely situations that feel both random and oddly thematic. A bizarre link to a political manifesto surfaces, hinting at larger, off‑beat currents running beneath the surface of her personal quest. The film’s style leans into vivid, almost dream‑like visuals, making the ordinary streets feel like a playground for oddities and the dialogue sparkle with witty self‑reflection.
All the while, Jane navigates her own contradictions—between ambition and apathy, responsibility and indulgence—making the viewer wonder how far a single high can stretch before the world tips entirely into the realm of the absurd. The story promises a day that teeters on the edge of comedy and surreal adventure, inviting curiosity about where her frantic errands will finally lead.
What Happens in Smiley Face?
The complete story of Smiley Face, from the first scene to the last, in 219 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
Smiley Face tells the story of Jane, a laid-back pot enthusiast who dreams of making it as an actress. Her typical day is filled with waking and baking, snacking on chips, and enjoying long naps in the comfort of her cozy bed. The film begins with her quirky self-dialogue atop a Ferris wheel.
As the narrative unfolds, we rewind to 9 am that same morning when Jane is happily indulging in her favorite pastime—smoking weed and surfing the web. A trip to the fridge unveils a delicious batch of cupcakes, lovingly prepared by her roommate for an upcoming SciFi party. Unable to resist the tempting treats, she devours every last one, only to discover they were also infused with cannabis, leaving her incredibly high.
In her altered state, Jane creates an ambitious to-do list: restock on pot to bake another batch of cupcakes for her roommate, attend her acting audition, and personally ensure the power company doesn’t cut off their electricity by paying the bill. Thus begins her chaotic day, which will lead her back to the Ferris wheel at sunset, clutching The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx while surrounded by a throng of angry people, who seem ready to throw her in jail.
In this wildly humorous adventure, Jane’s mishaps and misadventures make for a truly unforgettable day.
Smiley Face Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “Opening Scene on the Ferris Wheel” to “Reflection on the Day”. 7 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
Opening Scene on the Ferris Wheel
The film begins with Jane atop a Ferris wheel, engaging in quirky self-dialogue. This setting establishes her carefree and humorous personality right from the start.
Where:Ferris wheel
- 2
Morning Ritual
At 9 am, Jane starts her day in the comfort of her home, enjoying her routine of smoking weed and browsing the internet. This laid-back morning sets the tone for her relaxed lifestyle as a pot enthusiast.
When:9 am
- 3
The Temptation of Cupcakes
During a trip to the fridge, Jane discovers a batch of cupcakes made by her roommate for a SciFi party. Unable to resist, she eats them greedily, unaware that they are infused with cannabis, which contributes to her high.
Where:Kitchen
- 4
The Aftermath of Indulgence
After consuming the cupcakes, Jane finds herself incredibly high, leading her to create a wildly ambitious to-do list. This list includes restocking her supply of pot, attending an acting audition, and making sure their electricity remains on by paying the bill.
- 5
Restocking Supplies
Jane heads out to restock her marijuana supply, which is crucial for her baking plans. This journey marks the beginning of her chaotic day as she navigates through various mishaps.
- 6
Acting Audition
Next on her list is attending an acting audition. Despite being high, Jane shows her determination to pursue her dream of becoming an actress, albeit with a comical twist.
Where:Audition venue
- 7
Paying the Power Bill
Amid her chaotic schedule, Jane must also make sure to pay the overdue electricity bill. This task adds to her stress as she juggles multiple priorities while under the influence.
Where:Power company office
- 8
Unexpected Chaos
As the day progresses, Jane encounters a series of unexpected events and people that complicate her goals. Her laid-back demeanor is put to the test with each new obstacle.
- 9
Return to the Ferris Wheel
As the sun sets, Jane finds herself back atop the Ferris wheel. It is a surreal moment as she reflects on her day amidst the chaos and uncertainty of her responsibilities.
When:Sunset Where:Ferris wheel
- 10
Encounter with the Crowd
At the Ferris wheel, Jane is suddenly surrounded by an angry crowd holding protests. Despite the confusion, she clutches a copy of 'The Communist Manifesto' by Karl Marx, adding to the absurdity of her situation.
Where:Ferris wheel
- 11
Feeling the Pressure
With the angry crowd threatening to throw her in jail, Jane begins to feel the weight of her choices throughout the day. This moment captures the contrast between her carefree nature and the responsibilities she tried to manage.
Where:Ferris wheel
- 12
Reflection on the Day
In the midst of chaos, Jane reflects on her wild and humorous day filled with misadventures. She considers the lessons learned and the unpredictable nature of life as she faces the consequences.
Who Are the Main Characters in Smiley Face?
Jane: who they are and the part they play in the story.
- J
Jane
Jane is a quirky and laid-back character with a passion for acting and a penchant for cannabis. Her carefree attitude sometimes leads her into chaotic situations, but her optimism shines through. As she navigates her day, her ambitious to-do list reflects her desire to juggle responsibilities despite her high state.
- 🌼 Procrastinator
- 🌱 Pot Enthusiast
Where and When Is Smiley Face Set?
Smiley Face is set in Ferris wheel. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The events unfold within a single day, capturing the essence of Jane's spontaneous and carefree lifestyle. The film illustrates a typical day in the life of a modern young adult navigating through challenges and humorous situations.
Where
Ferris wheel
The Ferris wheel represents a fun and carefree atmosphere where Jane's unexpected journey begins. It symbolizes the ups and downs of her chaotic day. Additionally, her home serves as a cozy haven, where she indulges in her love for snacks and the comfort of relaxation.
- 🎡 Amusement
- 🏠 Home
What Are the Themes of Smiley Face?
2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Recreational Use and Self-Discovery.
-
01
Recreational Use
The film explores the theme of recreational drug use, portraying the effects of cannabis on Jane's decisions and experiences. It highlights the humorous consequences of her laid-back lifestyle and how it shapes her day-to-day activities. This theme reflects the cultural acceptance and normalization of cannabis in some communities.
-
02
Self-Discovery
Jane's adventure is also centered around self-discovery as she tries to navigate her ambitions and personal challenges. It showcases her journey to understand her passions and aspirations, despite the chaos. The film emphasizes the importance of embracing one's true self and the humorous hurdles one may face along the way.
What Kind of Film Is Smiley Face?
Whimsical in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Whimsical
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
A fast-paced, whimsical stoner comedy that follows a blissfully high actress on a chaotic odyssey through a surreal Los Angeles, filled with absurd mishaps and a consistently laid-back, dreamlike atmosphere.
- absurd
- chaotic
- dreamlike
- playful
- laid-back
- surreal
- stoner comedy
- drug-fueled adventure
- misadventures
- chasing deadlines
Content notes: drug use.
Quiz
How well do you remember Smiley Face? Test yourself on the story.
