As a long-time horror enthusiast who’s seen his fair share of gore and jump scares, I can confidently say that Smile 2 has managed to strike a perfect balance between controlled terror and unbridled violence. The movie, unlike its predecessor, delves deeper into the brutal side of horror without losing sight of its psychological roots.
Editor’s Note: This article contains spoilers for Smile 2
Key Takeaways
- Controlled gore in Smile 2 hits better with audience expectations.
- Smile 2 finds new ways to shock the audience while keeping some of its original content.
- Ramping up the gore in Smile 2 adds depth to the villain character.
2024 has witnessed an outstanding selection of horror films, with the genre no longer confined to Halloween releases but thriving all year long. Notable hits like “Smile 2” and “Terrifier 3” have enjoyed significant box office success, with their timely release during the “spooky season” playing a role, although it seems that both films are popular due to their inherent quality as horror movies. Surprisingly, each movie presents viewers with a unique experience.
In contrast to “Smile 2”, which delves into deeper themes and character progression, “Terrifier 3” leans more towards the conventional slasher genre, launching straight into violent scenes without pause. The intensity of its graphic violence has led to some viewers exiting the theater due to the sheer amount of gore they found unbearable. Both films are thriving in their unique styles. Interestingly, while “Smile 2” is somewhat echoing the style of “Terrifier 3”, it manages to present its violent scenes in a way that feels fresh and uniquely impactful.
Controlled Gore In Smile 2 Hits Better
One consistent element of the ‘Smile’ series is its frequent use of jump scares. The shock comes from the demonic smile appearing unexpectedly, catching both the audience and characters off guard. Although there’s a fair amount of violence in the way the curse spreads, the initial ‘Smile’ movie didn’t go too graphic with the deaths. There was blood, but it was kept under control. It wasn’t about showing gruesome scenes like someone brutally smashing their face with a weight bench multiple times, causing pieces of skin to slide off their skull – something the first ‘Smile’ film deliberately avoided.
| 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 contrast to the Smile series, Terrifier 3 maintained a distinctive tradition. The first two installments were known for their graphic violence and frequent display of body parts. Art the Clown, the menacing character, was always anticipated to brutally attack his victims. However, this doesn’t mean that Terrifier 3 is inferior to the Smile series. Both share a common fanbase with a penchant for being scared and grossed out. Despite Terrifier 3 leaning more towards a traditional slasher film, its unique elements (primarily the extreme gore) set it apart from others in the genre.
Smile 2 Finds New Ways To Shock Audience
The initial “Smile” film aimed for a broader audience by focusing on jump scares and psychological terror involving a spectral demon that could manifest as different individuals. This is because it was not a small-scale production like “Terrifier 3,” which caters to a specific fanbase who, after the first two installments, anticipate a high level of gruesome and disturbing content. To attract a larger audience, the original film in this franchise needed to avoid overwhelming viewers with constant graphic scenes.
For the sequel Smile 2, it was strategically important to increase the graphic nature of the horror. Firstly, when creating a film with many similarities to the original, making it stand out becomes a significant hurdle. Viewers approached Smile 2 with certain expectations. Consequently, traditional jump scares weren’t as effective since viewers began to anticipate that peaceful moments would be followed by a demonic appearance. To keep audiences engaged, the film needed fresh methods of shock and surprise.
There’s a point of view that suggests if a sequel aims to attract audiences, it should intensify the experience. Indeed, “Smile 2” intensified the graphic elements like blood and gore. However, this was not just for drawing crowds; it also served a deeper purpose.
The graphic violence, particularly when heads lose their faces, catches viewers off guard. It makes them flinch unexpectedly, adding an extra edge of discomfort. Moreover, it intensifies the narrative tension, suggesting that the demon is not just wicked but truly fearsome and menacing. In essence, this gruesome detail deepens the villain’s sinister character, making it more multi-dimensional.
It, in effect, adds another layer to a villain that was already reprehensible.
In contrast to varying opinions about the graphic violence in “Terrifier 3”, it’s clear that the intensity of gore presented in “Smile 2” is striking, especially considering that such extreme levels are usually avoided by films aiming for broader audiences. However, this approach suits director Parker Finn’s vision perfectly for his latest project.
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2024-10-21 19:03