Smile 2 (2024)
Smile 2 picks up where its predecessor left off, plunging us into a world where an evil entity spreads through a sinister grin. This time, the curse latches onto pop sensation Skye Riley, played by Naomi Scott, as she’s gearing up for a comeback tour after a tumultuous year. As Skye’s reality begins to warp and terrifying visions plague her, she’s forced to confront her past traumas while fighting for her sanity and survival.
Parker Finn’s follow-up to his 2022 hit doesn’t just rehash old tricks; it expands on the original’s premise in some intriguing ways. The shift from a small-town setting to the glitzy world of pop stardom allows for a fresh take on the concept, exploring themes of fame, addiction, and the pressures of the entertainment industry. It’s a clever move that breathes new life into the franchise.
Naomi Scott absolutely shines as Skye, delivering a performance that’s both vulnerable and fierce. She’s utterly convincing as a pop star on the edge, and her descent into paranoia and terror is genuinely unsettling. The supporting cast, including Rosemarie DeWitt as Skye’s overbearing mother/manager, adds depth to the story, though some characters feel a tad underdeveloped.
Visually, Smile 2 is a treat. Finn’s direction is stylish and assured, with some truly inventive camera work that’ll have you squirming in your seat. The use of upside-down shots and disorienting angles effectively mirrors Skye’s fractured mental state. The film’s sound design is equally impressive, creating an atmosphere of dread that’ll have you checking over your shoulder long after the credits roll.
Where the movie stumbles a bit is in its pace. At just over two hours, it occasionally feels bloated, with some scenes dragging on longer than necessary. The plot also treads familiar ground at times, and horror aficionados might find themselves predicting certain twists before they happen.
That said, when Smile 2 hits its stride, it really delivers. There are some genuinely shocking moments that’ll have you gasping out loud, and the film’s exploration of mental health issues adds a layer of depth to the scares. The way it blends psychological horror with more visceral, in-your-face frights is commendable, even if it doesn’t always strike the perfect balance.
One of the film’s strengths is how it uses the pop music world as a backdrop for horror. The juxtaposition of bright, peppy pop tunes with nightmarish imagery is effectively jarring, and there’s a brilliant sequence involving backup dancers that’ll stick with you long after the movie ends.
While Smile 2 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it’s a solid sequel that expands on its predecessor in some interesting ways. It’s not without its flaws—the plot can feel a bit convoluted at times, and some of the supporting characters could use more fleshing out—but overall, it’s a satisfying horror romp that’ll leave you grinning—albeit nervously.
If you’re a fan of the first Smile or just in the mood for some slick, stylish horror, this sequel is worth checking out. It may not reach the heights of horror classics, but it’s got enough scares, style, and substance to warrant a watch. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself eyeing smiling strangers with suspicion for a while after.