Film Review - Smile 2
Images courtesy of Paramount Pictures.
Making a sequel can be a delicate thing, especially when the first entry is such a neat package. Setting the stage for a bigger, but not always better film is Smile 2, directed by Parker Finn, which attempts this high-wire act with a blend of familiar chills and fresh thrills. While it doesn't quite capture the lightning-in-a-bottle magic of the first film, it still manages to grab its own spot on the podium, despite being the second genre film revolving around a concert to be released this year.
Smile 2 picks up the baton directly from its predecessor, diving headfirst into the creepypasta-like concept. The film opens with a bang, revisiting Kyle Gallner's Joel from the first movie approximately 6 days after its finale. In a tense one-take, Joel attempts to pass the curse to a murderer who got off scott-free, setting off a chain of events that will ensnare our true main character, troubled popstar Skye Riley. It's clear that Parker Finn is a talented director - where many studio popcorn horrors would fumble a concept like this, Finn seems always willing to go the extra mile and deliver on unique visuals that go a long way to spice up some otherwise overdone material. The narrative cleverly intertwines Skye's personal demons with the supernatural horror, making for a compelling watch even as the pacing takes a nosedive in certain lulls. Naomi Scott's performance is a standout, capturing Skye's descent into madness with a raw intensity that is both heartbreaking and terrifying.
The film's atmosphere is thick with tension, punctuated by moments of sheer terror. Whether it's a vision of a homicidal fan or an apparition of Skye's deceased boyfriend (played by Ray Nicholson, son of Jack Nicholson), the scares are meticulously crafted to keep you on the edge of your seat. However, it's worth noting that the sequel leans a fair bit further into the gore, which might not be to everyone's taste. Smile 2 isn't all jolts and jumpscares; it also injects a healthy dose of dark humor. The script, while not perfect, has moments of levity that provide a welcome respite from the relentless horror.
Now, let's address the elephant in the room: how does Smile 2 stack up against the original? The first Smile was somewhat of a breath of fresh air in the popcorn/teen horror space, blending psychological terror with supernatural elements in a way that felt both familiar and innovative. Smile 2 replicates this formula with higher high notes, but also lower lows. While the sequel expands ever so slightly on the lore and delivers some genuinely terrifying moments, it lacks the novelty and tight pacing of the first film. Some of the scares feel a bit too familiar, and the plot occasionally meanders, losing the tautness that made the original so gripping. However, what it lacks in originality, it makes up for in ambition, pushing the boundaries of the story and exploring new thematic territory through the lens of Skye’s recovery from drug addiction.
Smile 2 is a worthy sequel that, while not quite as groundbreaking as its predecessor, still offers plenty of great elements. Naomi Scott's stellar performance, combined with Parker Finn's bold direction and the film's striking visuals, make it a must-watch for horror fans. It may not be perfect, but it’s a sequel that dares to go big, leading to a finale that ups the ante on the original with a massively gross showcase of effects - seriously I did not expect to see a blend of CG and practical puppetry used so effectively in this caliber of film - ending on a note that'll leave your jaw on the floor, and maybe, just maybe, will make you smile, too.
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Smile 2 is screening in cinemas now. For tickets and more info, click here.