Buckle up, horror fans, because Smile 2 takes the terror of its predecessor to a whole new level. This isn’t just a rehash of jump scares and creepy grins; it’s a fever dream exploration of trauma, the price of fame, and the unsettling feeling of things being almost right, but deeply, disturbingly wrong.
Smile 2
Director Parker Finn throws us headfirst into the deep end with an opening scene that’s as audacious as it is unsettling. We’re trapped in a car with Skye Riley (Naomi Scott), a pop star battling addiction, and her movie star boyfriend (Ray Nicholson), engaged in a vicious argument that escalates with every hairpin turn. Finn’s masterful use of a single, unbroken take, combined with whip-pans that force us to become unwilling voyeurs, creates an intensely claustrophobic and uncomfortable experience. It’s a brilliant piece of filmmaking that sets the stage for the psychological horror to come.
Smile 2 picks up where the original left off, exploring the concept of a malevolent entity that feeds on trauma and spreads through its victims like a virus. This time, the focus shifts to Skye, whose car accident becomes the catalyst for her haunting. As she attempts to navigate the pressures of a comeback tour, the lines between reality and delusion blur, leaving both Skye and the audience questioning what’s real.
A Visual Feast (with a Side of Nausea)
Finn doesn’t shy away from bold visual choices. The film is filled with close-ups, often centered and unsettlingly symmetrical, that force us to confront the characters’ raw emotions. It’s a technique that could have easily become repetitive, but Finn uses it to create a sense of unease and claustrophobia, mirroring Skye’s own increasingly fragmented mental state.
The film also boasts some truly impressive camerawork, including a visceral long take that follows Joel (Kyle Gallner), a survivor from the first film, through a chaotic hospital scene. While some might find these stylistic flourishes excessive, they contribute to the film’s overall sense of disorientation and dread.
More Than Just Jump Scares
Smile 2 delivers on the scares, offering a variety of horror that will keep you on the edge of your seat. From the visceral (a scene involving a stomach-churning self-inflicted wound) to the psychological (the constant fear of familiar faces morphing into something sinister), the film keeps the tension high. One standout sequence involves a crowd of “smiling” fans invading Skye’s apartment, their movements unnaturally fluid and disturbing. It’s a scene that’s both terrifying and thematically resonant, highlighting the invasive nature of fame and fandom.
Beneath the Surface
While Smile 2 certainly delivers on the chills and thrills, it also delves into deeper themes. The film explores the dark side of celebrity culture, the pressure to maintain a perfect facade, and the toll it takes on mental health. Skye’s struggles with addiction and her strained relationship with her mother add another layer of complexity to the narrative.
A Flawed Masterpiece?
While Smile 2 is a strong entry in the horror genre, it’s not without its flaws. Some viewers may find the film’s visual style overbearing, and the ending, while effective, might leave some wanting more. Additionally, the film’s social commentary, while thought-provoking, occasionally veers into heavy-handedness.
Smile 2 is a stunning and psychologically disturbing horror film that builds on the foundation of its predecessor while carving its own unique path. It’s a must-see for fans of the genre and a testament to Parker Finn’s talent as a filmmaker.
