Smile 2 is scarier, larger, and an overall improvement compared to the original.
About to embark on a new world tour, global pop sensation Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) begins to experience increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events. Overwhelmed by the escalating horrors and pressures of fame, she must face her dark past to regain control of her life before it spirals out of control.
Horror sequels often fall short, but Smile 2 defies that trend and is worth your time. Parker Finn elevates the sequel with a distinctive style, delivering impressive techniques that vividly bring terror to life. The engaging camera angles, chilling close-ups, and masterful use of filters all elevate the horror experience. The psychological transitions are punctuated by striking sound and visuals that can be jarring yet effective, while at other moments, they subtly dismantle your sense of comfort. This film masterfully captures the essence of what makes horror compelling.
The film maintains a strong sense of realism, stretching disbelief just enough to add an exciting flair. The impeccable lighting effects contribute to an atmosphere that offers a variety of chills as the story unfolds. You can expect jump scares, mind-bending thrills, grotesque body horror, and building suspense throughout the movie. The careful balance of these elements, especially when woven into the narrative, truly brings the spectacle to life.
One of the elements of Smile 2 that I appreciated is the story component, which serves as the foundation for all the theatrics. This sequel focuses on integrating lore into each character, and Skye’s (played by Naomi Scott) story is particularly captivating in a film like this. It presents multiple layers, showcasing her struggles alongside the immense pressures that superstars face when they are in the spotlight. These pressures complement the main storyline of Smile, as Skye navigates her way out of the difficult situation she finds herself in, without disrupting the movie’s pacing.
Finn’s writing incorporates many essential elements without being overly flashy or distracting. The music interludes highlight Scott’s talents but never overshadows the film. It features fantastic character development and a strong sense of story urgency, which, when combined with the scares, make this film a suspenseful and engaging experience. It goes beyond the typical scream-and-gore fest that some sequels tend to become.
In terms of acting, the cast performs admirably overall, but it’s Naomi Scott who stands out for me. Seeing her portray such a distinct character once again highlights her impressive range. Every shout, scream, and haunting expression she delivers contributes significantly to what Finn needs from her. I found myself drawn to her struggles, quietly rooting for her to escape this horror. The pain, anguish, growth, and authenticity of Skye’s torment come through powerfully, and I can’t wait to see more of her work if she continues to deliver such believable performances.
Overall, Smile 2 proves to be a sequel that, in many ways, lives up to the hype. It continues the story of its predecessor while also standing on its own, providing a solid foundation for the scares that unfold. The film seamlessly combines various horror styles, showcasing impressive technology and techniques in its execution. With a stunning performance from the lead and a talented supporting cast, the bold choices made in the film are rewarding, especially during the Halloween season.
However, Smile 2 does have some drawbacks, including predictability, excessive language, dark themes, and occasional gore. Despite these issues, fans of the genre are likely to embrace these elements. Should you see it in theaters? Absolutely! The effects, story, and acting make it a perfect Halloween film (though it’s not available on streaming yet). Just keep in mind that this movie may be challenging for some viewers, so it’s wise to ask questions or exercise caution before bringing certain audience members.
Smile 2 is now playing in theaters.
What did you think of the film? Let us know in the comments below.
