As a seasoned gamer and horror enthusiast with over two decades under my belt, I can confidently say that Smile 2 is a chilling masterpiece that has left me thoroughly impressed. The film’s opening sequence is nothing short of breathtaking, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey into terror.
This piece contains some spoilers for Smile and Smile 2Smile 2 will go down in history as one of the finest horror films of 2024. The first entry dropped two years ago to widespread praise, and though neither will change the face of horror, the sequel is a marked improvement. Writer/director Parker Finn exploded onto the scene with Laura Hasn’t Slept, the short film that became Smile. Save one 2018 short, Finn hasn’t directed anything outside this franchise. Everyone’s excited to see what Finn has next, and that could potentially include a new genre. Smile 2 has a brief thriller section that deserves attention.
Horror films might not always be a surefire success at the box office, but they’re currently one of the most reliable choices. In contrast, superhero movies can be hit or miss. Interestingly, many horror tales seem to resonate with viewers during October. It’s intriguing to see how a low-budget horror film like “Terrifier 3” outperforms “Joker: Folie à Deux,” despite their differing qualities. Similarly, “Smile 2” is earning substantial income with its modest budget. On the flip side, Blumhouse’s lower-tier productions, such as “Afraid,” are experiencing difficulties. Perhaps audiences are becoming more selective in their tastes.
Smile 2 has a great opening sequence
| Director | Parker Finn |
|---|---|
| Writer | Parker Finn |
| Stars | Naomi Scott, Rosemarie DeWitt, Lukas Gage, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, and Kyle Gallner |
| Runtime | 127 Minutes |
| Release Date | October 18, 2024 |
In the initial segments of “Smile 2”, it’s essential for viewers to have watched the original “Smile” due to a pivotal moment. However, the remainder of the movie is self-contained and independent. Despite this significant opening scene being one of the film’s best, it somewhat contradicts the rest of the narrative. Modern horror films often start with a shocking scene within the first few minutes, presumably to keep viewers engaged if they don’t see a death right away. The beginning of “Smile 2” can be seen as an immediate scare, but it also presents a subtle cinematic twist that seems somewhat discordant with the rest of the movie. This opening scene follows the character of Kyle Gallner’s Joel, a supporting character from the first “Smile”. Those who watched the initial film are aware that Joel eventually becomes the final host for the unnamed demon that spreads like a contagion among victims. Recognizing Rob Morgan’s Robert Talley, Joel is privy to the secret means of evading the demon. He must murder someone in front of another person, thereby transferring the trauma and the demon onto the witness. “Smile 2” starts with Joel’s failed attempt to shake off the curse.
Essentially, Joel transforms into a self-appointed avenger, aiming to transfer the demon onto an individual deemed deserving of death. He identifies two suspected killers, breaks into their residence, and impales one in front of the other. Regrettably, the intended witness retaliates with gunfire, forcing Joel to respond. In the ensuing altercation, Joel is hit by a bullet and fatally wounds his adversary, leaving no one to pass the demon onto. As fate would have it, Joel encounters Lewis, a minor drug dealer who witnessed the shootout. Joel expresses remorse and attempts to escape, but meets an unfortunate end when he’s struck by a vehicle while fleeing. This high-octane action scene seems somewhat discordant with the rest of the movie, yet it showcases Parker Finn’s unique visual style. The contrast between the two elements gives the sequence a fresh feel, and it would be prudent for Finn to further develop this distinctive aspect.
Parker Finn is still a new talent
At present, Parker Finn’s creative efforts are primarily focused within the realm of the ‘Smile’ series. His first significant piece was a 2018 short film titled ‘The Hidebehind’, which introduced a villainous character with an expansive grin, though this detail is incidental. Subsequently, he released ‘Laura Hasn’t Slept’ in 2020, a psychological horror short that has largely defined his career over the past four years. This work revolves around a chilling antagonist, characterized by an unsettling smile and the ability to distort reality. The ‘Smile’ film franchise has built upon this concept, with both the original feature and ‘Smile 2’ continuing the narrative. Finn is planning another project, which will be a remake of Andrzej Żuławski’s ‘Possession’. If realized, this endeavor promises to be quite startling. After completing that project, he will likely embark on something new.
Parker Finn could make a killer thriller
Picture Finn applying his unique cinematic approach to films similar to those by Jeremy Saulnier, such as “Blue Ruin,” “Green Room,” and “Rebel Ridge.” These movies are known for their intense, gripping, and powerful narratives, using a distinct visual language to create suspense. They also contain some of the most shocking violence in the genre. If Parker Finn were to dedicate himself, he could fit seamlessly into this group of filmmakers. With dedication, he might even surpass “The Silence of the Lambs” in terms of tension and suspense. The opening scene of “Smile 2” is so impactful because it largely avoids supernatural elements, focusing instead on raw, heart-pounding stress with very real consequences. This would be a refreshing shift for Finn’s career.
Grounded thrillers aren’t inherently better than supernatural horror films, but they are very different. The Smile movies are known for their fake-outs, constantly twisting reality for the viewer and the characters. Some viewers will find themselves unable or unwilling to believe anything, robbing some key moments of their impact. A theoretical thriller by Parker Finn could maintain the tension while also keeping things grounded. Plus, thrillers usually have fewer jump scares.
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2024-10-26 19:05