Smile 2’s Mirror Symbolism, Explained

Smile 2's Mirror Symbolism, Explained

As a fan of horror movies with depth and symbolism, Smile 2 left me utterly spellbound! The movie’s intricate use of mirrors to reflect Skye Riley’s inner demons was nothing short of brilliant. It’s not every day you see a pop star battling her own reflection while also trying to rebuild her career and mend a broken heart – all while a demonic grin is lurking just around the corner!


Editors Note: This article contains spoilers for Smile 2

Key Takeaways

  • Smile 2’s lasting impact goes beyond jump scares, with deep symbolism and discussion post-viewing.
  • Skye Riley’s duality drives Smile 2’s plot, with mirrors reflecting and revealing her inner demons.
  • Mirrors symbolize Skye’s self-discovery journey, culminating in her succumbing to the smiling demon.

One reason top-tier horror films such as “Smile 2” distinguish themselves from others lies in their ability to offer more than momentary fear. While jump scares can initially be thrilling, they eventually become tiresome and even irritating if a movie relies excessively on one entity (monster, ghost, or ghoul) repeatedly surprising the audience.

As a gamer, I can’t help but be captivated by movies like “Smile 2” that linger long after the credits roll. It’s not just about the chills down your spine or the suspenseful twists and turns of the storyline. No, it’s about the intricate symbolism hidden within its plot that leaves you pondering long after you’ve left the theater. For “Smile 2”, this subtle layer of meaning was expertly woven into its narrative, a feat only possible due to the unique nature of the main character.

The Duality Of Smile 2’s Skye Riley

Initially, it appears that the main character in “Smile 2” is a pop star for several reasons. Primarily, this elevates the tension for all parties involved as the demon’s target becomes broader, allowing it to potentially harm more people simultaneously. However, upon closer examination, there’s a lot more depth to the storyline than just preventing the monster from accessing a larger prey base. Additionally, Skye Riley’s character portrays an intriguing duality that plays a significant role in the plot.

Smile 2
StarringNaomi Scott, Rosemarie DeWitt, Lukas Gage, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Peter Jacobson, Raúl Castillo, Dylan Gelula, Ray Nicholson and Kyle Gallner
Written ByParker Finn
Directed ByParker Finn

Riley steps into “Smile 2,” making an attempt to restart her career following a year out of the spotlight. Throughout the film, viewers discover that there was an accident involving a car which not only left emotional and physical scars on her but also claimed the life of her boyfriend with whom she struggled with substance abuse. Despite these challenges, Riley perseveres, battling her past addictions while learning to feel comfortable in front of audiences once more.

As I strive to regain my former glory as a pop star, I can’t help but acknowledge the hurdles that stand between me and my dream. My back injury from the accident makes it tough to nail down choreography, and deep-rooted insecurities seem to be my constant companions. These insecurities often manifest in moments when I confront my reflection – a mirror, my adversary.

Moving forward, mirrors significantly feature in “Smile 2“, with the initial appearance of the Smile demon occurring when she faces a mirror, and her deceased friend appears, but only as a reflection in the mirror.

How Mirrors Drive The Smile 2 Plot

Smile 2's Mirror Symbolism, Explained

Major Smile 2 spoilers incoming

Throughout the film, mirrors recur frequently, reflecting the shifting perspective of the protagonist. Initially whole and intact, they crack and shatter as the story unfolds, revealing the truth about Skye Riley. It is later disclosed that Riley was actually responsible for the accident she survived, her injuries and her boyfriend’s death being a consequence of their dysfunctional, destructive relationship.

In the story, mirrors play a significant role in the protagonist’s delusion about murdering her mother with shattered mirror fragments. Ultimately, she must confront a reflection of herself in a mirror. Initially, this reflection appears upside-down in the car following the accident, but as the movie progresses, it gradually resembles her more and more, culminating in a shocking twist at the end when the truth is revealed.

In the closing scenes of Smile 2, the protagonist, Skye, encounters yet another reflection, unveiling the genuine individual hidden from the public eye. For a moment, her public persona reappears on stage, only to be replaced by herself once more. This marks the instance when the sinister, grinning entity regains control, consuming Skye, and contaminating her spectators. Throughout the movie, it became evident that Skye was striving for self-improvement, attempting to distance herself from her darker side. However, this shadowy aspect of her personality persistently resurfaced in mirror after mirror.

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2024-10-21 04:03