“Smile 2” doubles the scares… and doubles the smiles

Millions of eager eyes staring at you. Awaiting something. A product, an asset, entertainment. They all stare and wait, their lips contorting into a malicious shape. The spotlight can be dangerous, and when that gets mixed up with the paranoia you’ve been feeling… well. Even a smile can seem dangerous. 

The highly anticipated sequel to Parker Finn’s horror smash hit “Smile” has finally been released, and many people think it completely knocked the concept out of the park. “Smile” debuted a chilling story about a therapist who is exposed to a demonic entity through a trauma chain, a cycle of violence that can be traced back through each film. Naturally, the cycle leads us to the events of “Smile 2”. The second chapter covers the story of pop star Skye Riley, who is making a long awaited comeback after a hiatus due to personal issues and the death of a loved one. 

Skye’s grapple with fame mirrors many real life celebrities. The struggle with substance abuse, the creepy encounters with fans, the overbearing Momager. Naomi Scott brings to this role something raw, beautiful, and angry. She completely gives herself to the role. The film is laced with pop musical numbers that are absolutely visually stunning. The glittering beauty of fame contrasted with the harsh unreality of what’s to come for Skye creates a scary but beautiful experience in the theaters.

When Skye is exposed to the entity, she starts seeing things. People smiling at her. As she is driven to her edge of paranoia and anxiety, things start to develop in a way no one could predict. “Smile 2” is scary, fresh, and one of the better sequels in recent years. The jumpscares work, and they leave you shaking in your seat.

Naomi Scott gives a horror all timer performance as the leading role, and you feel her descent into darkness as if you’re sitting there with her. The sound design of the film, especially in a theater, knocks you out of your seat and leaves you wanting for more. The film includes some stunning fully original pop numbers, all performed by Naomi Scott. The effects are almost exclusively done practically, and the slow build up of the effects, the scares, and the plot really make the ending stick. “Smile 2” gets an A in the sequel department, with a completely original story and an overall improvement on the idea. The film covers everything a good horror film should have, amazing lead, great visuals, and of course the obvious: needs to be scary! And it is. The success of “Smile 2” and its open ending may lead to a third, and a fourth… and a fifth… and an entire franchise. One can’t complain about that though, all you can do is smile!