As a seasoned horror enthusiast with over three decades of chilling encounters under my belt, I can confidently say that Smile 2 has left an indelible mark on my already haunted psyche. The relentless narrative, the masterful manipulation of fear, and the stunning cinematography have all combined to create a cinematic experience that is nothing short of terrifyingly brilliant.
In considering the screening of “Smile 2”, I found myself reflecting on how developing the storyline is crucial in horror sequels, especially given the original’s approach to revealing the origins of its malevolent grinning entity. Rewatching the first film prior, I noticed that it subtly delved into the trajectory of this villain, with Sosie Bacon’s character, Rose, and Kyle Gallner’s character, Joel, unraveling a chain of events leading to 20 apparent suicides. Their investigation eventually led them to Rob Morgan’s character, Robert Talley, who advised the protagonist that the key to survival involved committing a heinous murder in full view.
Smile 2
Release Date: October 18, 2024Directed By: Parker FinnWritten By: Parker FinnStarring: Naomi Scott, Rosemarie DeWitt, Kyle Gallner, Lukas Gage, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Peter Jacobson, Raúl Castillo, Dylan Gelula, and Ray NicholsonRating: R for strong bloody violent content, grisly images, language throughout and drug useRuntime: 127 minutes
When the lights dimmed in the cinema, I crossed my fingers that the sequel wouldn’t simply repeat the same formula. Instead, I wished it would offer fresh twists on its theme about trauma, delving into uncharted territory and establishing new rules for the storyline. Additionally, I hoped it could steer clear of the pitfalls common to many sequels that have ultimately destroyed some franchises. My hopes weren’t overly high – especially considering the film’s fast production process and the potential risk of a sophomore slump from the writer-director.
It seems that the first film, “Smile,” may have underplayed its potential, for the sequel, “Smile 2,” has built upon and amplified all the strengths of the original, and even surpassed them in certain aspects. The sequel provides heart-pounding suspense, chilling visuals, well-developed characters, and stunning cinematography. It’s a strong contender for one of the year’s most impressive genre surprises, and without a doubt, it will be among 2024’s scariest horror movies.
In the second movie, they reintroduce the familiar mythology and rules from the first film, seamlessly incorporating them into an incredible opening scene (which appears as if it was filmed in one continuous take). Yet, without disrupting continuity, it presents an entirely new narrative focusing on Skye Riley (played by Naomi Scott). Following a tragic car accident caused by drugs and alcohol that resulted in the death of her boyfriend (Ray Nicholson) and necessitated emergency surgery, this renowned pop star is about to embark on a comeback world tour. Amidst her recent sobriety, stress levels are at an all-time high.
In a difficult situation where she required painkillers for her hurt back but was denied a prescription due to past substance abuse issues, Skye resorted to her former drug connection (Lukas Gage). However, the timing couldn’t have been more unfortunate. Upon visiting him, Skye discovered that he was in a highly agitated state, and things quickly escalated. He appeared to choke and faint, and upon regaining consciousness, he grinned widely as he took his own life with a barbell weight.
Instead of reporting the incident to the police due to the potential media frenzy, the main character decides to leave the area. Yet, her legal troubles are minor compared to what she’s dealing with. Similar to Rose in Smile, she is troubled by what she saw, but also terrified by a mysterious presence that manifests as people with empty gazes and chilling smiles.
Smile 2 is a rich departure from the first movie that also further develops the story that film began.
In their separate films, Skye and Rose are unique characters leading distinct lives in entirely different realms. Although this fact doesn’t make “Smile 2” completely unlike “Smile,” it’s a significant aspect that adds value. It’s not necessary to delve into the role of a film critic as a director’s psychologist, but there is an intriguing meta-perspective to consider. Skye’s journey under the weight of fame and success might reflect Parker Finn’s experience post his blockbuster debut, yet the emptiness of stardom is merely one of the thoughtfully explored aspects in the character of the fictional pop star.
In the sequel “Smile 2“, the protagonist finds renewed existence amidst trauma and seizes every opportunity for tension. This creates numerous chilling plotlines within the film, making it unyielding in its intensity. The main character, Skye, battles her inner demons from her near-death experience and substance abuse issues. She is also under constant pressure from her overly anxious manager/mother (Rosemarie DeWitt), her devoted assistant (Miles Gutierrez-Riley), a strained relationship with her best friend (Dylan Gelula), a demanding tour schedule, and swarms of enthusiastic fans. Unfortunately, the accumulation becomes overwhelming, slowing down the story’s progression in the second act. However, the movie’s thrilling climax regains momentum, keeping viewers engaged till the end.
Smile 2 takes many different tactics to freak out audiences, and they’re all successful.
In the movie “Smile”, jump scares play a crucial role in creating fear, and this is no exception in the sequel. However, Parker Finn doesn’t just stick to jump scares; he significantly enhances his approach in bold, attention-grabbing ways that are truly impressive. The psychological horror aspect of the story is heightened substantially due to our close proximity to the protagonist and the understanding that the antagonistic entity can manipulate their perception of reality. This means that “Smile 2” has the freedom to confuse and unsettle viewers at every opportunity, and Parker Finn makes full use of this creative liberty. (Disclosing more would be revealing too much.)
This film showcases graphic, creative violence and intense physical horror without any subtlety. If you choose to avert your eyes, it’s your own decision. Unlike other movies in the genre that may use hints or quick flashes, this one lays everything out in full view. The content is so shocking that even hardcore fans of the genre might find themselves wincing and grimacing. It’s worth mentioning that some of the images are vivid enough to leave a lasting impression on the mind for days after viewing.
As a fan, let me tell you that Smile 2 isn’t just spooky and terrifying; it’s masterfully crafted too. Compared to Smile, the collaboration between Parker Finn and director of photography Charlie Sarroff takes things to another level with some breathtaking, awe-inspiring shots. I previously mentioned that the film opens seamlessly without apparent cuts, but this is just one of many incredible long takes that ramp up tension and keep your eyes glued to the screen in a nervous search for the next shock. The scene construction is outstanding (I’d also like to point out an eerie rotating camera during a pivotal flashback later on), and it complements rather than distracts from the overall experience.
Naomi Scott is not just a burgeoning scream queen in Smile 2, but also showcases her wonderful musical talent.
In essence, “Smile 2” relies heavily on its audience being emotionally invested in the protagonist, and Naomi Scott’s casting was spot-on for this role. She brings both charisma and vulnerability to portray Skye Riley, a talented yet tormented character who is also a musical superstar. Her primary task in this horror film is to convey the unyielding terror of being haunted by the franchise’s faceless monster, which she does convincingly with every terrified scream and wide-eyed gaze. Moreover, the movie features an original soundtrack and impressive choreography, adding to Scott’s performance. It’s a challenging role, but she delivers flawlessly in every aspect.
2024 has been an absolute blast for me as a gamer, especially when it comes to original horror flicks. Movies like Coralie Fargeat’s “The Substance”, Osgood Perkins’ “Longlegs”, Damian McCarthy’s “Oddity”, and Greg Jardin’s “It’s What’s Inside” have been phenomenal, but what really sets my nerves on edge is the release of “Smile 2”. This sequel in franchise horror has taken me by surprise in the best possible way. Trust me, it will give you the heebie-jeebies, and once you’ve finished watching it, you’ll find yourself rewinding to unravel its mind-bending twists and turns. It’s a rollercoaster ride I wouldn’t want to miss!
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2024-10-16 16:07