Horror fans, rejoice! The perfect movie this Halloween season has arrived in Smile 2.
The sequel to the hit 2022 thriller, the film follows pop star Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) as she faces the pressure of embarking on a new world tour despite recovering from a near-death experience the year prior. But after witnessing a horrific death, Skye falls victim to the “smile curse,” forcing her to confront her dark past as she is plagued by disturbing experiences in her struggle for survival.
Here is a spoiler-free review of the psychological supernatural horror film and why you should check it out.
A Killer Follow-up
Smile (2022) stands out in the horror genre due to its unique concept and exploration of serious themes such as trauma and mental health. Smile 2 picks up immediately after the first film, with an intense opening scene that will send a chill down your spine once the title appears. The film also introduces new characters who become entangled with the Smile entity, particularly Skye Riley, adding fresh dynamics to the narrative. The sequel dives straight into the action, exploring not only the nature of the Smile entity but also the potential ways it can be defeated.
It’s rare for sequels to match their predecessors, but that’s not the case for Smile 2. It not only lived up to the first movie; it also surpassed it on many levels.
Bigger, Bolder, Gorier.
Having the main character be a public figure creates an interesting shift in the story’s dynamic, namely, having the stakes be much higher compared to the first film. It also takes all the good parts of Smile and blows them up to epic proportions. The jumpscares are more lethal, the scenes are more elaborate, the deaths are more disturbing, and the gore is more intense. The film is an absolute bloodbath and your heart will be racing from the intensity of the scenes and revelations all throughout.
Watching the uncut version also elevates the experience, as you will get to see Smile 2 in its full gory glory. But for those who can’t stomach graphic scenes, it’s best to look away or close your eyes during those moments, if you can see them coming.
An Allegory for Mental Health
It’s not just the jumpscares and story that make Smile 2 scary, but the serious issues it tackles. Trauma remains at the core of the film, but it also explores familiar and new themes as well. Substance abuse plays a central role in the story, much like mental health struggles did in the first one. Both themes are explored with equal depth and impact, driving the characters’ development and shaping the overall narrative. It also doesn’t shy away from shedding light on topics like societal pressure, body image issues, and even celebrity worship, all of which contribute to the depth and impact of the film’s narrative while enhancing its overall sense of horror.
Characters to die for
Naomi Scott deserves her flowers for her portrayal of tortured pop star Skye Riley. The emotions she showed in this movie were raw, and her performance was captivating. It’s not easy to pull off such a feat, but she was able to do it flawlessly. The songs her character performs are also quite catchy. But aside from an impressive performance from the lead, Smile 2 also has scene-stealing characters like Skye’s best friend Gemma (Dylan Gelula) and assistant Joshua (Miles Gutierrez-Riley), who unintentionally gave moments of relief throughout the film with their natural charm and witty dialogue.
Since we know the fate of the first film’s lead, will Skye Riley make it alive in Smile 2? Which characters will suffer a tragic end? Will someone find a way to defeat the Smile entity and end the curse once and for all? You’ll have to see for yourself.
THE Horror Movie of the Season
Smile 2 has all the qualities of a good horror movie—classic jump scares, excessive gore, and most importantly, genuine terror. The moment you see someone flash an eerie smile accompanied by ominous music, you know things are about to take a chilling turn. You can try to resist it, but this film is bound to make you scream. It also skillfully challenges your perception, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare, making the experience both stressful and captivating.
The final act is nothing short of twisted, delivering a series of shocking revelations that keep you on the edge of your seat. The ending also opens up exciting and terrifying possibilities for the franchise’s future.
SEA Wave rates “Smile 2” 4 out of 5 waves. You certainly won’t exit the cinema smiling; instead, you’ll be trembling with shock and fear. Muster the courage and head over to your nearest cinema to experience “Smile 2” in cinemas nationwide starting October 16 and worldwide on October 18.