New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
Gallatin faculty call on NYU to pardon students suspended for pro-Palestinian demonstration
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
Hundreds protest Trump research cuts in Washington Square Park
A person holds memorial candles during a vigil in Washington Square Park, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, in New York. (Danny Arensberg for WSN)
Students and faculty hold vigil honoring 2 Israeli children
The Soapbox is a weekly news column rounding up stories worth reading for a global university. (Max Van Hosen and Kyra Reilley for WSN)
The Soapbox: Crypto fraud in Argentina, foreign spies in Australia, migrant boat deaths in Spain
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
Graduate student union condemns NYU sanctions and Trump’s immigration crackdown at study-in
A cardboard sign taped to a metal barricade with the words “WE DO NOT ENGAGE WITH ZIONISTS! WE KEEP EACH OTHER SAFE!”
‘A chilling effect’: Conduct guidelines cast shadow of concern over faculty
A person wearing a keffiyeh is zip tied by a cop in protective gear.
Inside NYU’s 180-plus disciplinary cases against pro-Palestinian students and faculty
Students walking on NYU’s Abu Dhabi campus. (Sam Klein for WSN)
‘Extremely disturbing’: Concerns over academic freedom at NYU Abu Dhabi surface following policies restricting attire at graduation
A purple N.Y.U. flag hangs on a building.
A search firm failed to find misconduct allegations against NYU’s former athletics director. Here’s why.
File Photo: NYU Tisch School of the Arts located at 721 Broadway. (Katie Peurrung for WSN)
A Tisch professor disappeared during a misconduct investigation. Two semesters later, he’s scheduled to teach again.
Thousands protest Trump at Presidents’ Day demonstration in Washington Square Park
Thousands protest Trump at Presidents’ Day demonstration in Washington Square Park
People rally in front of NYU Langone’s Tisch Hospital, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in New York. (Danny Arensberg for WSN)
Over 1,000 call on NYU Langone to continue providing gender-affirming care for children
People walking outside of a building that reads “STRAND BOOKS” while holding signs.
Strand Bookstore workers go on strike, demand higher wages
The front of a brick building with a white door. There is a sign to the right of the door that reads “SIGN OUR PETITION SAVE THE LANDMARK MERCHANT’S HOUSE”
A local museum’s campaign to keep its doors open
The exterior of the main entrance of N.Y.U. Langone Health center, located at 550 First Ave.
Researchers at NYU Langone deem kidney transplants between HIV-positive people safe
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
Gallatin faculty call on NYU to pardon students suspended for pro-Palestinian demonstration
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
Hundreds protest Trump research cuts in Washington Square Park
A person holds memorial candles during a vigil in Washington Square Park, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, in New York. (Danny Arensberg for WSN)
Students and faculty hold vigil honoring 2 Israeli children
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
Graduate student union condemns NYU sanctions and Trump’s immigration crackdown at study-in
(Connor Patton for WSN)
Students send letters to admin in protest of Nike contract
(Danny Arensberg for WSN)
Dozens protest onslaught of pro-Palestinian student suspensions
(Samson Tu for WSN)
Admin responds to nonprofit criticizing updated student conduct policy
(Danny Arensberg for WSN)
‘Collective punishment’: NYU suspends 13 students after pro-Palestinian sit-in
People picket in front of a red building with signs reading "DIVEST FROM GENOCIDE," "ARREST NYU TRUSTEES" and "CLASS OF 1972."
Protesters condemn NYU sanctions against students and faculty, demand divestment
A cardboard sign taped to a metal barricade with the words “WE DO NOT ENGAGE WITH ZIONISTS! WE KEEP EACH OTHER SAFE!”
‘A chilling effect’: Conduct guidelines cast shadow of concern over faculty
(Courtesy of Sawyer Baird)
Beyond NYU: Shaping workplace culture through hospitality
(Courtesy of Brooklyn Horror Film Festival)
Beyond NYU: Bridging the gap between business and film
(Courtesy of Television Academy)
Beyond NYU: Shaping films and shows frame by frame
(Courtesy of Madi Kaplan)
Beyond NYU: Mixing acting with activism
(Courtesy of Chelsea Kyle)
Beyond NYU: Shaking up the restaurant industry one article at a time
(Natalia Kempthorne-Curiel for WSN)
Opinion: Hustle culture is harming us, and self-care isn’t helping
(Kiara Mujica for WSN)
Guest Essay: At NYU, we cannot afford to be passive in the face of fascism.
Opinion: Students need to rethink their relationship with weed
Opinion: Students need to rethink their relationship with weed
Off Topic: DeepSeek’s arrival is a wakeup call for AI regulation
Off Topic: DeepSeek’s arrival is a wakeup call for AI regulation
(Allina Xiao for WSN)
Off Topic: The case for dating across the political divide
(Kyra Reilley for WSN)
Editorial: NYU, step up
Editorial: NYU’s disciplinary measures against students are reckless and reactive
Editorial: NYU’s disciplinary measures against students are reckless and reactive
An illustration of a collage of different scenes, such as a war zone, the face of prime minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu and a person holding a sign that says "BANS OFF OUR BODIES."
Editorial: Reflect. Recharge. Then get to work.
An illustration of a balancing weight scale with a box on each side. One says “LOCAL VOTE” and the other says “FEDERAL VOTE.”
Editorial: Think globally, vote locally
NYU students gather for a vigil in Washington Square Park mourning the loss of life in Lebanon on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 in New York.
Editorial: NYU needs to talk about Lebanon. Publicly.
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: Silver School dean on the case for a tuition-free social work education
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: Wasserman Center director on the Handshake job search platform
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: CWS director on suicide response and mental health resources
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: NYU remains committed to NYU Tel Aviv
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: An open letter to President Hamilton
A four panel illustration of four different people drawn in a monochrome purple pallet.
Off-Third: NYU released their shortlist for consultants on ‘institutional restraint.’ You won’t believe who’s on it.
An illustration of a poster on a utility pole with a woman in the center with a question mark over her face. Above are the words “LINDA MILLS” and below are the words “Lookalike Contest.”
Off-Third: Linda Mills lookalike contest brings new crowd to Gould Plaza
A portrait of Eric Adams wearing a gray suit, white collared shirt and navy blue printed tie. He stands in front of a royal blue background and an American flag on a floor stand.
Off-Third: Eric Adams and Rudy Giuliani compete to be NYC’s most disgraced mayor
An illustration of a person with binoculars staring in awe at a woman wearing dark sunglasses and red lipstick.
Off-Third: How to stalk campus celebrities
An image of a N.Y.U. flag, with the color purple edited into pink.
Off-Third: NYU changes branding to save misled patients
An illustration of a woman screaming and text that reads “STAFF RANTS.”
Staff Rants: Post-election feelings
An illustration of a black megaphone that reads ‘STAFF RANTS’ in white letters. There are black and white lines coming out of the megaphone. The background is red.
Staff Rants: Springing in and out of spring
An illustration of a black megaphone that reads ‘STAFF RANTS’ in white letters. There are black and white lines coming out of the megaphone. The background is red.
Staff Rants: New beginnings or old complaints?
An illustration of a megaphone with the phrase “Staff Rants” written on it. The megaphone wears a red Santa hat and the background is white with blue snowflakes.
Staff Rants: Holiday Overload
An illustration of a purple and orange megaphone that reads ‘STAFF RANTS’ in green letters. There are purple and green lines coming out of the megaphone. The background is black.
Staff Rants: Spooky season
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Out of Bounds: Major sports news out of Los Angeles, Madrid and Shanghai
(Kiran Komanduri for WSN)
Staff Predictions: Men’s and women’s basketball senior days and last regular season home games
(Courtesy of NYU Athletics)
NYU baseball confident heading into the season
(Courtesy of Evan Sherman)
The close of the 2024-25 athletic season marks the end of COVID-19 eligibility
Swimming and wrestling dominate the UAA, track & field shatters records and other news
Swimming and wrestling dominate the UAA, track & field shatters records and other news
Swimming and wrestling dominate the UAA, track & field shatters records and other news
Swimming and wrestling dominate the UAA, track & field shatters records and other news
Men’s basketball buzzer-beater win, women’s basketball 50th straight victory and other news
Men’s basketball buzzer-beater win, women’s basketball 50th straight victory and other news
An illustration of bold white text that says “Weekly Sports Update” on a purple background with light purple flowers.
Soccer and volleyball begin UAA conference play, top finishes for both cross country teams and other news
Women’s tennis player wins championship, men’s soccer score double digits and other news
Women’s tennis player wins championship, men’s soccer score double digits and other news
An illustration of bold white text that says “Weekly Sports Update” on a purple background with light purple flowers.
Women’s golf places third, women’s soccer remains undefeated and other news
(Sidney Snider for WSN)
In the Huddle: A talk with thrower Kai Aravena
(Levi Langley for WSN)
In the Huddle: Janie Cooper on her yearlong racing season
(Sidney Snider for WSN)
In the Huddle: Connor Vincent on his collegiate swimming career
A man in a dark coat standing outside in a park and smiling at the camera.
In the Huddle: Zach Knudsen on his aspirations and optimism for the upcoming season
A woman in a white shirt stands in front of a dark background.
In the Huddle: Maria Stamos on fencing at NYU and competing at the international level
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Out of Bounds: Major sports news out of Los Angeles, Madrid and Shanghai
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Out of Bounds: Major sports news out of Spain, France and Argentina
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Out of Bounds: Major sports news out of the UK, Washington, D.C. and Italy
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Out of Bounds: Major sports news out of London, Washington, D.C. and Sydney
An illustration of an outline of a referee yelling “OUT OF BOUNDS” with three buildings behind him.
Out of Bounds: Major sports news out of Accra, London and Madrid
(Kyra Reilley for WSN)
Balancing affordability and business-casual style
(Kaleo Zhu for WSN)
4 restaurant industry volunteering opportunities
(Ivy Chan for WSN)
New eats near NYU: DH Noodles gives Chinese students a taste of home
(Allina Xiao for WSN)
What your NYU school says about your style
(Kiara Mujica for WSN)
Long-distance friendships 101
(Kyra Reilley for WSN)
Balancing affordability and business-casual style
(Allina Xiao for WSN)
What your NYU school says about your style
(Iris Bell for WSN)
Spice up your scarf game with these 5 scarf-tying ideas
2025 style guide
2025 style guide
5 luxury fragrances to wear in 2025
5 luxury fragrances to wear in 2025
(Kaleo Zhu for WSN)
4 restaurant industry volunteering opportunities
(Ivy Chan for WSN)
New eats near NYU: DH Noodles gives Chinese students a taste of home
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
New eats near NYU: Seafood is the star of the show at Vallarta Tropical
A look into New York City’s first teahouse-inspired festival
A look into New York City’s first teahouse-inspired festival
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
NYC’s swoon-worthy restaurants for Valentine’s Day
How NYU students celebrated Lunar New Year
How NYU students celebrated Lunar New Year
(Mariana Arboleda for WSN)
This Stern club highlights minority voices in the world of finance
(Lianna O’Grady for WSN)
Welcoming Lunar New Year in a new home
An illustration of simplified drawings of various forms of self-care like tea, a person wearing a face mask, and a person doing yoga on a blue background.
What it means to take care of yourself across different cultures
On a light green background, four orange rectangles show hands making different signs in each one.
How multicultural sororities foster community at NYU
(Henry Bayha and Allina Xiao for WSN)
Ranked: Subway stations near NYU
A collage of various N.Y.U.-specific illustrations in green and blue.
Ranked: NYU lore
An illustration of an oven roasted turkey against a light purple background.
Ranked: Thanksgiving foods
An illustration of a taco fighting french fries boxing in a ring.
Ranked: Fast food near campus
(Gia Sidhu for WSN)
Ranked: Microtrends
(Julia Smerling for WSN)
Norma Kamali invents and reinvents herself at NYFW
Frederick Anderson brings gothic glamour to Paradise Club
Frederick Anderson brings gothic glamour to Paradise Club
(Levi Langley for WSN)
Global Fashion Collective highlights 3 East Asian designers at NYFW
(Sidney Snider for WSN)
Global Fashion Collective flaunts the abundance of spring at NYFW
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
Global Fashion Collective toys with heritage, nostalgia and the cosmos
(Mariana Arboleda for WSN)
Review: The Tisch DPI BFA Thesis Exhibition combines self-reflection and technical skill
(Courtesy of True Panther Sounds)
Review: ‘choke enough’ is a hard-hitting anthology of random, playful electropop narratives
(Charlotte Nichols for WSN)
4 books to read in celebration of Black History Month
(Courtesy of Frank Sun)
Q&A: Ben Stiller on directing ‘Severance’ and the importance of creativity
(Courtesy of Black Bear Pictures)
The case for ‘Sing Sing’
(Charlotte Nichols for WSN)
4 books to read in celebration of Black History Month
4 LGBTQ+ novels Trump doesn’t want you to read
4 LGBTQ+ novels Trump doesn’t want you to read
(Charlotte Nichols for WSN)
Review: From the battles to the bedroom, ‘Onyx Storm’ was rushed and unsatisfying
(Kiara Mujica for WSN)
Books beyond Bobst: Essays about the ’60s, stories about body horror and more
The 5 most anticipated reads of 2025
The 5 most anticipated reads of 2025
(Courtesy of Frank Sun)
Q&A: Ben Stiller on directing ‘Severance’ and the importance of creativity
(Courtesy of Black Bear Pictures)
The case for ‘Sing Sing’
8 must-watch films by Black female directors
8 must-watch films by Black female directors
Off the Radar: ‘The Beaches of Agnès’ is a beautiful autobiography of a life well lived
Off the Radar: ‘The Beaches of Agnès’ is a beautiful autobiography of a life well lived
(Courtesy of IMDb)
Review: ‘Mo’ season 2 is a comedic reprieve in Trump’s America
(Courtesy of True Panther Sounds)
Review: ‘choke enough’ is a hard-hitting anthology of random, playful electropop narratives
(Kyra Reilley for WSN)
10 love songs we adore
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
Vigil Records: How dorm room jams turned into dim sum raves
(Courtesy of HBO)
Review: Abel Tesfaye delivers a final cinematic masterpiece as The Weeknd
(Courtesy of Nick Mora)
Interview: Musician Brent de la Cruz on the importance of collaboration and inspiration
(Courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company)
Review: In ‘English,’ the fight to learn a new language perseveres
An illustration of a hand holding a nutcracker on a blue background scattered with snowflakes.
Let out of the doll box: My retirement from ‘The Nutcracker’
Dancers dressed in soldier costumes lined up onstage.
The Rockettes don’t know when to tap out
Two people stand on a stage with their hands on a table, looking at each other.
Broke People Play Festival expands to uplift more student artists
A person wearing a blue suit with white sleeves holds the hand of a person wearing a pink dress while they sit on a beige couch in a set of a house.
Review: ‘The Great Gatsby’ disguises mediocrity with a star-studded cast
(Mariana Arboleda for WSN)
Review: The Tisch DPI BFA Thesis Exhibition combines self-reflection and technical skill
(Suditi Sircar for WSN)
Review: ‘I Am Because We Are’ is a mesmerizing celebration of womanhood and identity
(Ivy Chan for WSN)
80WSE’s latest exhibition explores a better society through fashion
Three balconies spiraling up with various art pieces on the walls and people perusing them.
Review: The Guggenheim’s new exhibition teaches a history lesson about a fleeting art movement
Ten paintings are hung up in a large group on a light purple gallery wall.
Review: ‘Toward Joy’ builds new frameworks for American art
(Julia Smerling, AnMei Deck, Alisia Houghtaling and Alex Woodworth for WSN)
On the Street: Love
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
Behind the scenes at the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
NYU Dining Halls: Farm-to-Table Eats!
NYU Dining Halls: Farm-to-Table Eats!
Cartoon: An ode to Albert
Cartoon: An ode to Albert
(Anna Baird-Hassell, Alex Woodworth, Isabel Albors, and Rachel Ning for WSN)
On the Street: Winter break
NYU Dining Halls: Farm-to-Table Eats!
NYU Dining Halls: Farm-to-Table Eats!
Cartoon: An ode to Albert
Cartoon: An ode to Albert
In the panel titled Tisch, a girl with long braided hair, alternative clothing and round glasses types on a computer with sheets of paper flying around her. Her eyes are swirls and her expression is panicked as she says, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have a 73-page play due tomorrow!” In the panel titled Stern, a man with short dark hair and rectangular glasses wears a suit saying, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have 500+ LinkedIn connections due tomorrow…” He holds a phone with a symbol of people and the number 500 while people shake hands in the background. In the panel titled Gallatin, a boy with wavy brown hair and goggles holds ropes while saying, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have to weave a basket underwater tomorrow.” Another dialogue line reads “Yeah, that’s my concentration…” next to drawings of fish and baskets. In the panel titled Steinhardt, a girl with curly blonde hair and freckles stares at a phone while various electronic devices are scattered in the background including a phone with a caller ID saying “Kiara & Allina.” In a dialogue bubble she says, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have to communicate tomorrow.” In the panel titled Tandon a boy with round glasses, a puffer vest, a quarter-zip sweater and dyed purple hair says, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have a robot due tomorrow!” Behind him is a robot holding a sandwich on a plate saying “YUMMY,” a laptop on a desk displaying “Chat G.P.T.” and a blackboard with various diagrams in white chalk. In the panel titled C.A.S. is a girl wearing a white lab coat and goggles over a pink shirt and saying, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have to write an essay on bird migration in Ancient Greece due tomorrow!” She holds an open book while plucking a leaf off of an overhead branch with forceps, facing away from a desk where a beaker of green liquid overflows.
Cartoon: NYU during finals is just so … unique
In a grayscale comic, a person works at a desk in front of a computer next to a window showing a city in ruins with a fallen sign saying “TECH INDUSTRY.” In the bottom right corner is a thought bubble that says, “Why can’t I find an internship?”
Cartoon: Your major in computer science has been declared
Cartoon: Time is Ticking
Cartoon: Time is Ticking
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
Behind the scenes at the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
An aerial view of an autumn field with a runway and body of water, with factories and suburbs on the left.
How to legally fly a drone in NYC
A person stands on stage staring into the distance. They have dark hair and wear a black fur shawl.
For Hannah Weisz, performance is resistance
(Krish Dev for WSN)
Finding school spirit at NYU
Pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrate on Gould Plaza holding a Palestinian flag and a sign that reads “No more dollar sign for Israel’s crimes.”
Inside the Gaza Solidarity Encampment at NYU
SLAM! at NYU celebrates the art of spoken word
SLAM! at NYU celebrates the art of spoken word
Mou Theatre brings together Mandarin-speaking theater enthusiasts at NYU
Mou Theatre brings together Mandarin-speaking theater enthusiasts at NYU
A woman hanging a Turkish flag on a curtain by a window at N.Y.U.'s Kimmel Center. Outside of the window is a red building.
Turkish NYU students commemorate 85 years since the death of republic founder
Barks in Tompkins Square Park: Annual Halloween Dog Parade returns
Barks in Tompkins Square Park: Annual Halloween Dog Parade returns
Rob Benevides applies a white wig to an actor wearing a prosthetic costume face.
An inside look at the art and design process of behind-the-scenes artists
The Sports Issue | Under the Arch Magazine
The Sports Issue | Under the Arch Magazine
An illustration of Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump, over a blue and red background.
The Election Issue | Under the Arch Magazine
Six models wearing all black, walking down a runway in a single-file line.
The Fashion Issue | Under the Arch Magazine
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Welcome home, class of 2028
The Housing Guide | Under the Arch Magazine
The Housing Guide | Under the Arch Magazine
SPONSORED: How to find your best college fit
SPONSORED: Navigating mental health as a student: How Mid City TMS can support you
SPONSORED: How do I sublet my apartment this summer?
New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News
New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News
A still from season 2 of the HBO show “Euphoria” features the main cast of Lexi's school play. The five actors are seated on the steps of the stage and look ahead.

Recap: ‘Euphoria’ S2E8: When the curtain finally falls

The “Euphoria” season finale delivered a rollercoaster of emotions that will leave viewers eagerly anticipating a third season. “Euphoria” is available to stream on HBO Max.
Shreya Wankhade, Contributing Writer • March 1, 2022

Spoiler warning: This review includes potential spoilers for Euphoria seasons one and two. On the last Sunday before a two-year break, viewers gathered around their devices,...

Season 2 episode 6 of Euphoria premiered on HBO Max on Feb 13. New episodes air on Sundays at 9 p.m. (Images courtesy of Warner Media)

Recap: ‘Euphoria’ S2E6: Justice for Maddy Perez and to hell with Nate Jacobs

Episode six of the second season of “Euphoria” sees the show’s protagonist come to terms with her flaws. “Euphoria” airs on HBO Max, with new episodes debuting every Sunday.
Shreya Wankhade, Contributing Writer • February 16, 2022

Spoiler warning: This recap includes spoilers for "Euphoria," seasons one and two. Season 2, episode 6 of “Euphoria” picks up the pieces from last week's devastating...

Zendaya plays a 17-year-old recovering from drug addiction. “Euphoria” is a serial teen drama available on HBO. (Photo by Eddy Chen/HBO, courtesy of Warner Media)

Recap: ‘Euphoria’ S2E5: Rue Bennett struggles with the reality of addiction

“Euphoria” season two, episode five offers viewers a harrowing look at addiction. “Euphoria” airs on HBO Max, with new episodes debuting every Sunday.
Shreya Wankhade, Contributing Writer • February 11, 2022

Content warning: This article mentions sexual assault and suicide. Spoiler warning: This recap includes spoilers for "Euphoria," seasons one and two. Season two, episode...

Timothée Chalamet and Steve Carell in a scene from "Beautiful Boy." (Courtesy of StrategyPR)

The Depiction of Substance Abuse on Screen

Matt Markowski, Contributing Writer • November 9, 2018
Both “A Star is Born” and “Beautiful Boy” paint brutally honest pictures of the emotional toll of substance abuse.
The U.S. Needs To Take A Stand Against Duterte

The U.S. Needs To Take A Stand Against Duterte

Yasmin Gulec, Contributing Writer • September 12, 2016
A UN member state, the Philippines have already ratified the Human Rights Declaration — they should be held to the standard they swear by.
Needle Exchanges Are Model of Good Drug Policy

Needle Exchanges Are Model of Good Drug Policy

Abraham Gross, Deputy Opinion Editor • April 17, 2016
The needle exchange program demonstrates a more effective drug policy, one that places treatment and care ahead of punishment and elimination.
Sarah Silverman moves from comedy to drama in "I Smile Back."

Sarah Silverman surprises in lackluster drama

Kat Fadrillan, Contributing Writer • October 20, 2015
Though more familiar with comedy, Sarah Silverman's superb dramatic portrayal of a pill-addicted housewife outshines a hackneyed plot in "I Smile Back."