Smile 2 Review: A Suitably Bigger & More Menacing Horror Sequel

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Key Takeaways

  • Smile 2 ramps up its horror sequel stakes with celebrity pressures and extreme violence
  • Parker Finn’s direction and a bone-chilling score create a tense, dread-inducing atmosphere
  • Smile 2 explores trauma, grief, and mental health in haunting and relevant ways

As a seasoned horror enthusiast who’s spent countless nights huddled under blankets while watching every chilling flick that comes my way, I can confidently say that “Smile 2” is one of the most unsettling and blood-curdling movies to grace our screens in recent memory. Having survived a few too many horror flicks myself, I can attest to the fact that this sequel takes the genre to a whole new level.

For Riley Skye in the movie “Smile 2“, it’s not about deciding which is scarier: being tormented by an unrelenting grinning phantom or performing a concert under pressure in front of a vast audience. Instead, she finds herself faced with both chilling prospects.

The next horror sequel by writer/director Parker Finn serves as an expanded follow-up to its initial installment, Smile. Unlike its predecessor, which delved into everyday traumas that people may bear, Smile 2 escalates the narrative to focus on the high-stakes world of celebrity. It explores the stresses and expectations that come with being a renowned figure, particularly in the demanding lifestyle of a pop star. This is where the plot really bites, using its themes to critically examine the excessive demands often placed upon such individuals.

Naomi Scott portrays Skye Riley, who kicks off the narrative with a somber past. Lately, she has emerged from a car accident that claimed the life of her actor partner, and she’s embarking on a fresh tour while trying to uphold her sobriety. Her objective is twofold: regaining the faith of her fans and those close to her, as well as dealing with the lingering physical discomfort resulting from her injuries. The weight of expectations is already heavy upon her shoulders.

Skye relies on Vicodin provided by her dealer, Lewis (Lukas Gage), to dull her agony. But after a chilling ending where Lewis reappears, viewers understand that Lewis’s time is running out, and the sinister grinning specter is eager to claim Skye. Following Lewis’s on-screen demise (as hinted in the movie trailers), it doesn’t take long before Skye experiences visions of friendly-looking strangers, which are followed by increasingly unsettling interactions.

Smile 2
Directed By Parker Finn
Written By Parker Finn
Starring Naomi Scott, Rosemarie DeWitt, Dylan Gelula, Lukas Gage, Kyle Gallner, Peter Jacobson, Miles Gutierrez-Riley
Runtime 2 Hours, 7 Minutes
Release Date October 18, 2024

In the sequel, “Smile 2,” the filmmakers expertly carry on the success of the original horror sensation by amplifying the terror and suspense even more. Parker Finn, as a fresh voice in the genre, has shown great skill in crafting a chilling tale, using innovative camera work and unexpected plot twists to keep viewers guessing. The opening sequence, presented in one continuous shot, effectively builds tension, daring the audience not to look away, despite knowing where the cuts are hidden. Finn also reintroduces the disconcerting upside-down shots from the first film, making ordinary establishing shots feel eerie and unsettling.

Cristobal Tapia de Veer’s hauntingly chilling music significantly enhances Finn’s directing. His dissonant yet tuneful drones, played over shots of New York, give the city a sinister feel, as if it were demonic in its essence. Intermittent, harsh choir sounds intensify scenes of extreme violence and underscore the unsettling quality of the visuals.

Terrifyingly intense, Terrorizer 3 might prompt walkouts, whereas Grin 2 is poised to shock mainstream audiences with its extreme levels of graphic violence and gore. This degree of visceral horror hasn’t been seen in a major studio horror film for quite some time. It’s so intense that even seasoned horror enthusiasts might find themselves uncomfortable in their seats. The violence in Grin 2 isn’t boasted about, but it certainly could be. While it doesn’t claim to be the most gruesome horror film of the year, it easily could be.

Of course, the blood and guts stuff doesn’t work without the other horror elements, and Finn knows his stuff. The quiet moments before jump scares are painstakingly dragged out, making what could feel like cheap tricks feel earned in the moment. Beyond those jump scares are truly unsettling horror setpieces, like a late-second act attack by a group of backup dancers which cleverly relies on nothing more than the movement of the performers to make things feel unsettling. It also helps that everyone in the movie clearly had a great time figuring out their scary smiling faces, as all of the actors do great wearing the demonic grin.

Beyond its initial frightening aspects, “Smile 2” appears to have a deeper message concerning the essence of trauma and lingering sorrow. Unlike the original, “Smile 2” delves deeper, suggesting that suppressed trauma cannot be permanently hidden, no matter how many layers one tries to pile on top of it. Naomi Scott’s portrayal of a pop star clearly struggling with her mental health and deteriorating further is heart-wrenching. Her character’s predicament, being pushed by her manager mom (Rosemarie DeWitt) to continue with her tour and other obligations despite her obvious breakdown, only adds to the haunting atmosphere. The movie’s narrative coincides remarkably with current pop culture trends where artists are choosing to prioritize their mental well-being over pressuring themselves to perform. The relevance of this storyline seems almost prophetic.

In the film “Smile 2“, reflection is a consistent theme, with mirrors significantly featuring throughout various scenes. Often, Skye Riley’s reflection serves as her public persona – her acts, deceptions, and masks she wears for others. However, when the camera draws back to reveal the genuine Skye, the mask falls away. This symbolism has multiple layers, and the true significance of it unfolds in the movie’s heart-wrenching climax.

This October, horror enthusiasts are in for a treat, and “_Smile 2_” is another scrumptious addition to their feast. Unlike many predictable, run-of-the-mill horror movies churned out by big studios, Parker Finn’s sequel stands out as an exceptional lesson on elevating a familiar tale. Instead of relying on clichés, this film demonstrates how to explore fresh perspectives and uncover new terrors to surprise the audience. It’s guaranteed that horror fans will depart from the theater with wide, chilling grins on their faces.

Smile 2 opens in theaters on Oct 18th.

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2024-10-16 17:54