We headed out to check out Smile 2, the sequel to the 2022 supernatural psychological horror written and directed by Parker Finn in his feature film debut, based on his 2020 short film Laura Hasn’t Slept. We were introduced to the main character Dr. Rose Cotter (play by Sosie Bacon) in the first movie and a rather freaky scene with a new patient who tells Rose that she can see things and people that aren’t there, even her dead uncle, this sets up the premise for the entire film.
Now 2 years on the sequel brings us a new character and a returning one, about to embark on a new world tour, as she prepares to embark on a new world tour, global pop sensation Skye Riley (played by Naomi Scott) begins experiencing increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events. Overwhelmed by the rising pressures of fame and the escalating horrors around her, she must confront her dark past to regain control of her life before it spirals out of control.
Back in 2022 when I first saw the first film I have to say that I wasn’t that impressed with the movie and it did bore me a little, Smile 2 is much of the same when it comes to the premise of this 2024 horror. But what makes this movie slightly better than its predecessor is the brilliant performance from Naomi Scott as she goes through the steps of insanity that the demon brings to its victims.
The change in her character as the film progresses is good to watch and you do start to feel for her as the horror that she is going through as the days slip away to the point that the demon will finally take hold of Skye (Scott).
There were moments that I did feel that Smile 2 was starting to drag its heels a bit, but there are also moments that make up for those such as the crowd of people smiling in Skye’s apartment and moving slowly around with the freakish smiles upon their faces.
The effects are good such as when Lewis (played by Lucas Gage) picks up a weight and repeatedly smashes himself in the face with it, leading to a grotesque but very nicely done effect. You don’t get the horror and feel of this moment in the trailer, so be warned it is rather brutal especially when you add in the sound effects that are powerful on a cinema sound system.
Parker Finn certainly has a style of directing that he brings across from Smile and it works for this style of horror. Smile 2 not only brings back a character from the first film but also Cristobal Tapia de Veer the composer of the soundtrack. Veer certainly brings in an atmospheric soundtrack that does set you at unease with its Sound FX and moments where the music builds up so much and then suddenly stops dead in its tracks.
Smile 2 is certainly not one of the best horror movies of 2024, but it is worth checking out on the big screen to appreciate it. Whether or not there will be a Smile 3 depends on how this movie does at the Box Office. With the climactic ending of the movie, there is no shortage of victims that the demon could be making suffer for another outing in the franchise.
If you are a hardened horror fan then this movie may be a little tame for you, but if you are easily scared then this one will have you holding onto your movie partner!
Writer and director Parker Finn is returning to the franchise Smile 2 will be produced by Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey, Isaac Klausner, Parker Finn and Robert Salerno. The movie stars Naomi Scott, Rosemarie DeWitt, Kyle Gallner, Lukas Gage, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Peter Jacobson, Raúl Castillo, Dylan Gelula and Ray Nicholson.