Looked like a good movie until.. *No Spoilers*

Likewise, Kristen Stewart impresses in a handful of floating sequences as a troubled student, and beautifully navigates what could have been merely a preachy monologue on contemporary disconnectedness. Despite the contrivances (including a random undermining sequence featuring her character self-abusing, as if we have to witness it first hand for good measure), Stewart manages to be one the most emotionally compelling characters.

Well put.
I enjoyed Anesthesia very much. Great cast and interesting characters. Kristen Stewart played the role they hired her for. She was struggling.
I have thought about how I would play Sophie, what would I do to show such distress, agnst...shrug...not that different. Shaking my head while biting my lip I wonder, how else would one play her??

So, objectively speaking, Stewart is great at what she does. Subjectively, we are each free to experience her however we do.

I didnt like the movie, and I dont think shes a good actress. But, I do agree 99% with your post. The only thing I might disagree with, and its not even something you wrote, more like implied, is that good actors make films successful. There are thousands of actors, singers etc with "limited" talent who are famous and successful, cause they happen to be really good looking, charming, scandalous or other side reasons.