“Lights, camera, bitch, smile / Even when you wanna die…” It seems that the sequel to 2022’s horror hit Smile has interpreted those lyrics quite literally. Despite some shortcomings, this follow-up manages to resonate.
As we gear up for Halloween, grins abound. This year, the iconic smiling pumpkins are joined by two politicians on the campaign trail and the menacing smile of Art The Clown from Terrifier 3, which has dampened the box-office hopes of Joker: Folie à Deux. It’s the perfect time for a sequel to the supernatural horror film Smile.
Writer-director Parker Finn returns, bringing back his chilling premise: a parasitic demon with a chilling smile that compels its victims toward suicidal tendencies. This sinister entity thrives on trauma and lurks until it’s witnessed a death, ensuring that no one is safe for long. Echoes of classics like The Ring, Fallen, and It Follows make the dread palpable.
In this sequel, we meet Skye Riley (played by Naomi Scott), a pop star attempting a comeback after a devastating year marked by a car crash that claimed her boyfriend, Paul (Ray Nicholson). Battling injuries and newfound addiction struggles, Skye is now sober and reentering the spotlight, yet the shadows of her past haunt her as she seeks relief for her pain from a former dealer, only to witness a gruesome death that triggers the demonic cycle.
Smile 2 may not be the scariest horror film of the year, nor is it necessarily the best—recent favorites like The Substance and Oddity hold that title. Yet, while it stretches on a bit long and leans into jump scares that grow predictable, it successfully delivers a gripping experience.
Finn cleverly incorporates a larger budget to enhance the film’s visual elements, offering inventive sequences, especially an electrifying scene featuring a dance troupe that delivers a captivating performance reminiscent of a twisted flash mob. This creative touch shows Finn’s dedication to crafting a sequel that rises above mere cash-grab status.
Humor is more pronounced in Smile 2, skillfully teasing the audience; just when you think you’re safe, a well-timed scare jolts you back to reality. It’s a reminder of how humor and horror can coexist effectively, leading to moments that keep viewers on edge.
One of the most compelling aspects of Smile 2 is Naomi Scott’s performance. Known for her roles in Power Rangers, Aladdin, and the unsatisfactory Charlie’s Angels reboot, Scott shines here, showcasing her prowess at carrying an entire film. Her effort transcends some of the material she’s given, providing emotional depth that underscores the pressures of fame, as her character grapples with the costs of public perception.
Although the film skims the surface of trauma and mental health issues, Scott’s dynamic portrayal gives audiences a thread to connect with Skye’s turmoil, as she faces the harsh realities of celebrity status. The haunting line “Lights, camera, bitch, smile / Even when you wanna die” echoes the pressures that shadows her life.
While Smile 2 doesn’t dive deeply into critiques of the entertainment industry or toxic fandom, it remains an entertaining, albeit twisty, ride, particularly if you crave suspenseful build-ups and truly shocking moments, climaxing in a dramatically bloody finale reminiscent of The Substance’s closing act.
Although Coralie Fargeat’s Cannes-winning horror may well outshine it, this sequel successfully paves the way for Smile 3 and keeps the audience eagerly anticipating more. Smile 2 is out now.
Photo credit & article inspired by: Euronews
