Prepare for a Spooktacular Halloween with “Smile 2”
As Halloween approaches, excitement fills the air, and the smiles are more abundant than ever this year. Alongside the classic carved pumpkins and their cheerful grins, two politicians are out and about, vying for votes as the 5th of November draws near. Meanwhile, the sinister smile of Terrifier 3‘s Art The Clown looms large, threatening to overshadow the box office success of Joker: Folie à Deux. With this context, it feels like the perfect moment for a sequel to 2022’s chilling supernatural horror film, Smile.
Writer-director Parker Finn returns with a sequel that, while derivative, effectively evokes anxiety through its unsettling premise: a parasitic demon that grins widely drives its victims to the brink of suicide. This entity feeds on personal trauma and is transmitted when one witnesses a death, creating a horrific chain reaction. No one survives this hellish cycle for more than a week.
In this installment, we meet Skye Riley (portrayed by Naomi Scott), a pop star looking to make her comeback after a year-long hiatus following a devastating car accident that claimed the life of her boyfriend, Paul (played by Ray Nicholson). The accident left Skye grappling with severe injuries and a troublesome drug addiction. Now sober and supported by her manager and her mother, Elizabeth (Rosemarie DeWitt), Skye is preparing for her upcoming performances, yet she finds herself in need of Vicodin to manage her back pain. When she reaches out to her former dealer, Lewis (Lukas Gage), he suddenly breaks into a disturbing grin before meeting a gruesome end as his head is crushed by a gym weight.
It’s not long before that sinister smile begins to haunt Skye, as she is burdened with the knowledge of witnessing Lewis’ demise. Desperate to escape her grinning tormentors, she struggles to convince those around her that her terrifying hallucinations foretell a very grim fate.
What to Expect from “Smile 2”
While Smile 2 may not claim the title of the scariest film of the year, nor is it the best horror flick as some might suggest (that distinction still belongs to either The Substance or Oddity), it certainly delivers a thrilling experience. The film tends to drag at times, and while the jump scares are effective, they become somewhat predictable as the story unfolds. Additionally, returning director of photography Charlie Sarroff’s frequent use of upside-down camera angles to signal a shift into the bizarre quickly loses its impact.
However, despite its shortcomings, Smile 2 proves to be a captivating watch. With a larger budget, Finn showcases his creativity through several ingenious set pieces, particularly a standout moment featuring a grinning dance troupe advancing ominously on Skye, reminiscent of a demonic flash mob influenced by the styles of American choreographer Bob Fosse and the eerie atmosphere of Twin Peaks. This scene is a testament to the director’s commitment to delivering a sequel that transcends mere cash-grab expectations.
This sequel also leans more heavily into humor compared to its predecessor, adding a refreshing layer that plays with audience expectations. Just when viewers start to relax, well-timed jolts remind them that horror and humor can coexist beautifully.
Naomi Scott’s Standout Performance
The primary reason Smile 2 stands out is undoubtedly the performance of Naomi Scott. Best known for her roles in the 2017 reboot of Power Rangers, as Jasmine in the live-action adaptation of Aladdin, and as the standout in the disappointing Charlie’s Angels reboot, Scott truly shines in this film. Her portrayal in Smile 2 showcases her ability to carry a film and elevate it, despite being burdened with some mediocre material.
Though the film does not delve deeply into themes of trauma and mental health, Scott’s powerful performance provides an emotional anchor. Through her commitment, the film manages to touch upon the unrealistic pressures of fame, as Skye must perform under the weight of expectation, even when it takes a toll on her well-being.
“Lights, camera, bitch, smile / Even when you wanna die,” echoes a sentiment expressed by a fellow pop star, fittingly capturing the essence of Skye’s struggle.
Despite not getting bogged down in intricate critiques of the entertainment industry or toxic fandom, Smile 2 remains an engaging and convoluted experience. It offers an exciting mix of tension-building moments, genuinely gruesome sequences (those sensitive to IVs may want to brace themselves), and a bloody Grand Guignol finale that echoes the thrilling climax of The Substance.
While Coralie Fargeat’s Cannes-winner may be the superior horror film to prioritize this Halloween, this horror romp, Smile 2, has set the stage for an intriguing Smile 3 that audiences can genuinely look forward to.
Smile 2 is out now.
