As a die-hard horror enthusiast with a soft spot for psychological terrors that delve deep into the human psyche, I can confidently say that Parker Finn has outdone himself with Smile 2. Having grown up on classics like The Entity and The Exorcist, it’s exhilarating to witness a director who takes these foundational elements and pushes them to their limits.
For horror enthusiasts, there’s much to look forward to since filmmaker Parker Finn escalates the brutal intensity of The Entity in “Smile 2” to unprecedented levels. Finn’s supernatural duology was kick-started by his short film, “Laura Hasn’t Slept,” produced in 2020. Now, it’s thrilling to see how wickedly sinister Finn’s latest psychological horror sequel has become, as the antagonist starts tormenting pop star Skye Riley (Naomi Scott). When questioned about whether The Entity’s growing ferocity was due to its expanding victim count or Skye’s troubled psyche, Finn responded to Bloody Disgusting: “You’ll have to watch and see.
A blend of the two aspects was chosen, as it perfectly reflected what I had been contemplating – the deeply personal nature of the experience for each individual involved. My intention was to ensure that the narrative felt authentic and closely linked to Skye’s world, a vast and complex universe she inhabits. Therefore, amplifying the intensity, brutality, insanity, and savagery seemed fitting, as you described it.
Finn, who wrote and directed both Smile films, continued by saying in the same sit-down:
I aimed to assure that if I were to request their time once more, it wouldn’t just be a repetition or a straightforward rehash of the initial piece, but rather something fresh and unforeseen that pulsed with the essence of Smile yet possessed its unique character, its own life force.
The improvement in The Entity significantly boosted Smile 2, captivating both critics and viewers during its initial release weekend. Currently, Finn’s subsequent film has earned a Tomatometer score of 83% from 131 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. Remarkably, this is an even higher rating than the original Smile (80%) received in 2022.
Not only does the film’s wildness and violence resonate with viewers, as indicated by its 85% rating on Popcornmeter from over 500 verified reviews. However, it’s crucial to note that there’s more than just The Entity that makes this horror flick a must-watch. In fact, Naomi Scott delivers an exceptional performance as the unassuming pop star, Skye Riley.
Inside Smile 2’s ‘Quite Flawed’ Heroine
In the aftermath of Terrifier 3’s domination last week, Smile 2 is almost certain to claim the number one spot at the box office. One reason for its success is the outstanding performance of Skye Riley, the film’s heroine, skillfully played by Naomi Scott. Interestingly, casting a global pop star was a top priority for the movie’s director, Parker Finn. During an interview, he further discussed the role of Smile 2’s superstar musician, stating:
We encounter a genuine individual who carries a heavy burden of sadness and imperfections. Despite her struggles, she keeps them hidden within herself. She feels unable to confide in anyone about her troubles. Despite being surrounded by people constantly, she is the most lonely soul on earth.
It seemed as though being at that level of celebrity came with an overwhelming amount of expectations, many of which you had no control over. Your life almost felt confined because of the persona you’d developed. For me, it was an intriguing foundation for a story like Smile.
The second installment of “Smile” is currently screening in cinemas. For those who are hesitant about watching this sequel, it’s worth reading MovieWeb’s review of “Smile 2,” which praises Naomie Scott for taking the film’s mediocrity to a higher level. However, most fans seem to have a different opinion, as the movie garnered an impressive “B” rating from CinemaScore during its debut weekend.
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2024-10-20 19:33