'Smile 2' review: Confident and scarier sequel will leave you wincing
Courtesy of Paramount
An unexpected sensation that took multiplexes by storm in 2022, “Smile” was originally commissioned for streaming but went on to achieve an impressive box office run, bolstered by a savvy and viral marketing campaign. This refreshing and original horror film presented a straightforward premise: a demonic entity latches onto individuals, wearing them down until it ultimately claims their lives. The haunting visions it manifests involve victims grinning maniacally, reminiscent of a sadistic version of the Cheshire Cat from “Alice in Wonderland.” Given its success, a sequel was inevitable, and writer-director Parker Finn’s “Smile 2” rises to the occasion, delivering a strong follow-up that surpasses expectations.
Bigger, bolder, and more unpredictable than its predecessor, “Smile 2” is also far more terrifying, intertwining themes of superstardom and overcoming addiction as the demon wreaks havoc on its victims. From the intense opening sequence that re-establishes the bleakness of this universe to the final shot, “Smile 2” never lets up. Naomi Scott delivers a raw, powerful performance as a pop star navigating a harrowing emotional landscape. It’s a standout role for the “Aladdin” star.
Scott portrays Skye Riley (who, let the record show, is more entertaining than Lady Raven from “Trap”), a famous pop artist a year removed from a horrific accident that left her scarred and claimed her boyfriend’s life. As she attempts to rehabilitate her image and launch a new world tour, an unseen entity begins to prey on her, feeding off her trauma and torment. This descent into darkness is triggered by witnessing the suicide of her former drug dealer (Lukas Gage), who bludgeons himself with a gym weight, all while wearing a disturbing smile. This event heralds a new wave of nightmares that will engulf Skye's life.
If Finn felt somewhat restrained in the first film—likely due to a smaller budget and lower expectations—he fully unleashes his creative vision in “Smile 2.” He crafts a chilling atmosphere of psychological warfare that affects both the protagonist and the audience. Skye serves as a brilliant conduit for this exploration, reflecting the all-too-common struggles of pop stars with addiction and public scrutiny. This backdrop allows the film to delve deeper into the emotional wreckage that the entity inflicts upon her, giving “Smile 2” an edge its predecessor lacked.
While “Smile’s” Rose Cotter was a therapist with some coping skills, Skye lacks such mental fortitude, making her vulnerability to the entity’s manipulations even more pronounced. One particularly memorable sequence features what could be dubbed the world’s most terrifying smile mosh pit. At times, it feels as though Finn pushes the narrative to its limits, and with a runtime exceeding two hours, a few scenes could have been trimmed for pacing. Nonetheless, it’s hard not to admire his willingness to expand the boundaries of what audiences expect from a studio horror film.
And this year has seen a resurgence in quality studio horror, with releases like “The First Omen” and “Speak No Evil,” alongside impressive indies “Longlegs” and “Terrifier 3.” “Smile 2” epitomizes what a sequel should achieve: it expands the universe without diminishing the original, raises the stakes, and sets a logical path for future installments. Finn exhibits a newfound confidence that may not have been as evident in “Smile,” showcasing his prowess as a filmmaker who can navigate a larger budget while maintaining his creative vision. The result is a visceral experience that satisfies the craving for a quality horror film, especially during Halloween season.
Grade: B+
SMILE 2 is now playing in theaters.
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