Gut-wrenching, horrifying, disturbing, and muddling — these words capture the experience of watching Smile 2, the afflicting 2024 sequel to director Parker Finn’s initial film Smile (2022). This psychological horror hauls viewers on a gripping ride through the life of Grammy-winning pop star Skye Riley, played luminously by actress Naomi Scott, as she steers through various coercions, including, fame, trauma, and a powerful curse.
The film commences with a gruesome scene that welcomes back the Smile Entity’s curse, which is traded from one victim to another. As Skye prepares for her highly awaited return tour after being in a deeply tragic car accident that killed her boyfriend, actor Paul Hudson, her battle with substance abuse and her mental health issues are revealed. The film blends her troubles with supernatural elements, highlighting that the terrors she’s witnessing are real and imagined.
Naomi Scott excels as Skye, realistically playing a character that once glowed as a singing star and then evolved into a seriously troubled individual. Her riveting performance allows viewers to empathize with her pain and fear for her as well as her twisted backstory. Scott’s ability to act with such a wide variety of emotions adds incredible depth to the film.
As the story continues, tensions rise. Skye is constantly surrounded by specific, petrifying, smiling faces and disturbing hallucinations creating a constant cycle of angst. The supporting cast includes Rosemarie DeWitt as Skye’s daunting mother and manager and Miles Gutierrez-Riley as Joshua, Skye’s loyal assistant. Her managing team attaches further complexity and stress to her world and the struggles she’s dealing with.
The film’s visual and sound design intensifies the horror in the movie, setting the audience on edge. What I thought was extremely well done was the cinematography that collided with Skye’s luxurious celebrity lifestyle in New York City and the evil forces taking over her life. The climax of the film, taking place at Madison Square Garden during Skye’s opening night of her tour, leaves viewers with an appalling feeling and a disturbing impression that will leave them thinking long after the movie is over.
Smile 2 was skillfully created and a perfect sequel to its predecessor. Building off the original film and complimenting the impressive performance and sensational talent of Scott, Smile 2 is a must-see for horror fans and anyone interested in a harrowing story. As the film comes to an end, the audience is left to grasp the line between fame and the many snags it comes with, making Smile 2 an unforgettable analysis of both psychological and paranormal horror.
