The horror genre welcomes a new addition to its franchise roster with the release of Smile 2. Building on the success of the 2022 original, which was Certified Fresh, the sequel expands on its predecessor’s themes and scares. Critics are praising Smile 2 for its bold story, intense atmosphere, and stellar central performance by Naomi Scott. Her portrayal of a pop star haunted by the film’s terrifying entity has been hailed as a major highlight, making the sequel a must-see for her performance alone.
A Deeper Dive into Fear
Smile 2, directed by Parker Finn, ventures beyond the psychological horror of the original by introducing themes like self-hatred, addiction, and the pressures of fame. The film opens with a shocking scene featuring Joel (Kyle Gallner), a character from the first movie, who passes his sinister curse to a drug dealer, setting off a series of eerie events witnessed by a character named Lewis (Lukas Gage).
As the curse takes hold, Lewis’s violent end draws pop star Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) into a nightmare she thought she’d left behind. Haunted by visions of her deceased boyfriend Paul (Ray Nicholson) and tormented by the sinister “Smile Creature,” Skye’s sanity crumbles, forcing her to confront her darkest fears. Scott’s performance anchors the film, delivering a raw and realistic portrayal of a woman on the edge of madness.
Balancing Horror with Depth
While Smile 2 delves into the harsh realities of trauma and the demands placed on pop stars, the film occasionally struggles with its many thematic elements. Critics note that Finn avoids exploiting mental illness for cheap scares, focusing instead on the emotional truth of the protagonist’s journey. Despite a few predictable jump scares and plot twists, the film maintains a relentless pace and captivates viewers with its psychological depth and creative scares.
A Promising Horror Sequel
Smile 2 has been widely praised for not falling into the “rinse and repeat” trap that often plagues sequels. Its creative set pieces, particularly a standout scene called “Smile Dancers,” and Scott’s gripping performance make it one of the strongest horror films of the year. While the movie’s runtime might feel a bit stretched, it’s clear that Finn had ambitious ideas worth exploring. Overall, Smile 2 succeeds in delivering a chilling and thought-provoking experience, leaving audiences eager to see where the franchise goes next.
