As a mental health advocate and someone who has struggled with addiction myself, I found “Smile 2” to be a deeply moving and relatable film. The story of Skye, a wealthy pop star battling her personal demons while trying to maintain a perfect image, resonated with me on a profound level.
The statement “Smile” conveyed a great deal about trauma, mental health, and battling personal struggles to stay alive. Many viewers consider it a standout modern horror film. Consequently, some followers of “Smile” felt hesitant about the sequel. It wasn’t just another upcoming horror movie that fans were excited for due to concerns over its potential impact on the film’s reputation. Remarkably, “Smile 2” belongs to a small group of sequels that are as good or even superior to the original.
In comparison to the original “Smile,” the sequel stands out as being bolder, boasting a more intricate plot, amplifying the horror elements, and making a stronger impact overall. I found myself resonating with “Smile 2” on a level that I didn’t with the initial movie. The underlying themes and messages in the second film were delivered more directly.
Mainly, Smile 2‘s explorations of mental health and trauma really resonated with me.
Warning: Smile 2 spoilers are ahead. Proceed with caution.
Smile 2 Reminded Me Of The Torture Sometimes Behind A Fake Smile
The fundamental theme in the “Smile” films lies in the notion of concealing hidden dangers beneath a cheerful facade, suggesting that something as innocent-looking as a smile might carry dark undertones. This isn’t exactly turning the concept of a smile upside down, but rather exposing instances where a smile serves as a mask for deceit or harm. The act of telling someone to hide their pain behind a smile is commonplace, though those offering such advice usually don’t mean it maliciously, believing that a smile can alleviate sadness or discomfort.
Yet, smiles can also cause pain since they prevent individuals from expressing their true feelings. In the movie “Smile 2“, Skye Riley (played by Naomi Scott) often wears big smiles as part of her job. This pleasant demeanor is expected due to her fame. The director and writer of “Smile 2 “, Parker Finn, effectively conveys the idea that masking genuine emotions with a smile is not something praiseworthy but potentially harmful.
If you’re constantly pretending to smile, you might drift away from genuine emotional expressions. This detachment could foster an inner turmoil that, while not physically menacing, can bring about equally harmful consequences.
A Pop Star, To Me, Felt Like The Perfect Example Of Someone Who Often Has To Force A Smile
At the initial glance of the trailer for “Smile 2“, I found it challenging to comprehend why a pop star would be the central focus. It appeared there was a significant disconnect between the troubled protagonist in “Smile” and Skye. However, my doubts were quelled during the movie-watching experience as the concepts from the first film resonated more effectively with the inclusion of the pop star aspect. In “Smile 2“, we observe some of the challenges and turbulence experienced by individuals in the media spotlight – they’re constantly under scrutiny, their actions are analyzed, and they face criticism for everything they do.
In a different way of saying it: They’re not meant to display emotions; instead, they should embody flawless representations of humankind – devoid of feelings and always smiling. The movie “Smile 2” adopts a sensitive and graceful method to present a heroine who might initially seem distant. There is a real person hidden behind the glamour and stardom, whose humanity can sometimes be overshadowed by their fame. In an interview with Yahoo Entertainment, Finn explained the film’s central idea about the unacknowledged stresses that come with being extremely famous.
It seems we’ve been expecting too much from certain women, asking them to constantly embody a specific role in public and perform even when off-stage. This continuous act can be quite draining, a strain they often struggle to reveal to the general public.
This is also the reason why the smart appearance of Drew Barrymore in “Smile 2” holds multiple meanings. Not only is she a widely recognized figure, but she has also experienced hardships such as addiction, largely due to her high-profile status. Her presence might serve as a reminder for viewers about real-life celebrities who encounter similar challenges, just like Skye does in the story.
Furthermore, I found myself making connections between Britney Spears and Skye, both experiencing intense public scrutiny due to their fame and the pressures that come with it. This also made me admire emerging artists like Chappell Roan who challenge the ideal of portraying a flawless pop star persona. It’s tough not to feel the weight of expectations and instead embrace one’s unique, imperfect, and sometimes quirky qualities – especially when under the spotlight. Skye demonstrates the danger of losing oneself in an attempt to please others.
In some instances, it’s not sustainable to put on a false smile just to get by. At times like these, it’s essential to let down your guard and reveal your genuine emotions instead.
Skye’s Multilayers Of Trauma Made It Easy For Me To Sympathize With Her
For Skye, putting on a fake smile isn’t just challenging due to her celebrity standing; she’s grappling with numerous personal struggles. She’s mourning the loss of her boyfriend, Paul Hudson (Ray Nicholson), dealing with the aftermath of an accident that left her physically scarred, wrestling with guilt over the incident, managing her mental health issues, and battling addiction. Yet, amidst all this turmoil, Skye is forced to suppress these struggles during the tour.
As a gamer, I’ve found myself drawn into the captivating world of “Smile 2.” Initially, it was this movie that led Rosemarie DeWitt’s character down a challenging path, but she’s working hard to meet everyone’s expectations, including her mother and fans. For me, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the glamorous lifestyle portrayed in the film, something far removed from my everyday experiences. However, “Smile 2” brilliantly breaks down these barriers, revealing the human side of these famous figures, reminding us that they too face challenges and emotions just like us.
A significant aspect of the movies is emphasizing Skye’s hardships. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Parker Finn mentioned that making these Smile films are primarily character-focused. This choice makes Smile 2 stand out because Skye’s journey resonates with a wide audience, regardless of their celebrity status. Although the monster plays a role, it is Skye’s story that will evoke emotions from viewers.
Her Battles With Her Personal Demons Made The Ending More Tragic
In the finale of Smile 2, we witness several heartbreaking events, such as Skye being defeated by the enigmatic entity from Smile. Despite her valiant efforts, she is unable to outmaneuver and outlive it. Given that the Smile series appears to be expanding into a franchise, we expected this creature wouldn’t perish. However, I had hoped for Skye to triumph over this beast, not merely for her survival or the creature’s demise, but because it would symbolize a personal victory, one that she richly deserved.
Skye has battled numerous personal battles, such as substance abuse issues and mental health challenges. If she overcomes this current obstacle, it wouldn’t just be survival for her; she would find a sense of resolution and tranquility. Her victory could pave the way for her to triumph over her addictions and psychological difficulties. However, in the end, she unfortunately loses more than one fight.
I Don’t Have Experience With Survivor’s Guilt But That Storyline Connected With Me The Most
In a twist of events, Skye assumed control of the vehicle, navigating Paul and herself away from their original path, which unfortunately resulted in Paul’s demise. However, it’s essential to note that neither party is entirely blameless as they were both under the influence. If Skye hadn’t seized the steering wheel, there’s a possibility that the situation might have led to a crash involving Paul and herself anyway.
As a fervent fan, I can’t help but feel that Skye bears some responsibility for Paul’s demise, yet it’s evident she grapples with survivor’s guilt, having outlived him. This theme isn’t frequently explored in cinema, making it all the more captivating when it is, such as in the upcoming film Smile 2. It was compelling for me to empathize with Skye, understanding the anguish she endures, haunted by her role in Paul’s passing while being miraculously spared from a similar fate.
She continues to live, but not really. She’s just a hollow shell faking a smile.
Rent or buy Smile 2 on Amazon.
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2024-11-30 00:07