Writer / director Parker Finn‘s “Smile 2,” the sequel to the 2022 horror hit “Smile,” isn’t going to be what people expect — and that’s both a good and bad thing. This is the type of film that I truly hope will be able to find its audience because it’s such a bold and creative experiment that not only provides a satisfying continuation of the first installment, but also reinvents the original in a way that’s fresh and exciting. While this is a sequel, it works just as well as a standalone horror film, and it’s going to resonate a lot more with sophisticated genre fans that demand substance rather than casual viewers who are looking for a dumbed-down scarefest.
Global pop sensation Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) is preparing to embark on a new word tour while battling terrifying visions that make the those around her fear she is losing her mind. Her demanding manager / mother (Rosemarie DeWitt) worries that she has fallen back into a pattern of drug and alcohol abuse, but it turns out that her daughter is being inhabited by a dangerous demon. When a series of inexplicable events grow even more disturbing, Skye realizes a lot of these horrors are tied to her troubled past and turns to her estranged friend (Dylan Gelula) for help. With the pressures of fame escalating, she has to face the trauma that continues to consume her while devising a plan to rid herself of the evil that lurks within.
The premise is scary as hell, and Finn makes the most of his R-rating. The film is nastier and bloodier than the first, with stomach turning effects, harsh violence, and grisly imagery that feels highly realistic. The gore will please horror lovers, but the film is elevated with a well-written script that takes the time to develop strong and compelling backstories for the characters.
The story is substantial, allowing for the exploration of more complex themes like lingering trauma and the consequences of unrelenting stress (kudos should be given to the cast, all who turn in performances that are far stronger than you’d expect) . Finn’s script delivers moments that are equally disturbing and reflective, which helps ground the supernatural chaos in real human emotion. Yes, there are the ubiquitous jump scares, but here they’re balanced by deeper, psychological frights.
The horror and dramatic elements are both well executed but they don’t always mesh seamlessly. At times, it feels like two different films trying to coexist: one a supernatural thriller and the other a psychological drama. When the film finally does hit its stride, there’s a magic to that moment where you can feel it all come together.
Despite everything the film gets right, there are a lot of elements that could’ve been better. Finn’s artsy tendencies feel needlessly overindulgent, with unnecessarily long sequences thrown in that do nothing to advance the plot. The multiple extended musical and dance numbers interrupt the pacing, turning parts of the film into a music video break. The songs, though catchy, slow things down to a crawl.
This one could lose at least twenty minutes of run time to help with the overall draggy feeling, and the first thing to go should’ve been the repeated “gotcha” moments where the lines between real and imagined blur. The first couple of times it’s okay (and, dare I say, a bit fun), but after investing so much time in a movie only to be tricked over and over again is absolutely infuriating.
Overall there’s a lot to appreciate here, especially the way Finn takes a bold step forward by continuing the original movie’s atmosphere with a standalone approach that makes it accessible to new audiences. With a fully fleshed out narrative, talented cast, and a willingness to push horror boundaries, “Smile 2” is a complex movie that confidently stands firmly on its own.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 