An surprising sensation that took multiplexes by storm in 2022, “Smile” was initially commissioned for streaming however went on to attain a formidable field workplace run, bolstered by a savvy and viral advertising and marketing marketing campaign. This refreshing and unique horror movie introduced an easy premise: a demonic entity latches onto people, sporting them down till it finally claims their lives. The haunting visions it manifests contain victims grinning maniacally, paying homage to a sadistic model of the Cheshire Cat from “Alice in Wonderland.” Given its success, a sequel was inevitable, and writer-director Parker Finn’s “Smile 2” rises to the event, delivering a powerful follow-up that surpasses expectations.
Larger, bolder, and extra unpredictable than its predecessor, “Smile 2” can also be way more terrifying, intertwining themes of superstardom and overcoming dependancy because the demon wreaks havoc on its victims. From the extraordinary opening sequence that re-establishes the bleakness of this universe to the ultimate shot, “Smile 2” by no means lets up. Naomi Scott delivers a uncooked, highly effective efficiency as a pop star navigating a harrowing emotional panorama. It’s a standout position for the “Aladdin” star.
Scott portrays Skye Riley (who, let the report present, is extra entertaining than Girl Raven from “Entice”), a well-known pop artist a 12 months faraway from a horrific accident that left her scarred and claimed her boyfriend’s life. As she makes an attempt to rehabilitate her picture and launch a brand new world tour, an unseen entity begins to prey on her, feeding off her trauma and torment. This descent into darkness is triggered by witnessing the suicide of her former drug seller (Lukas Gage), who bludgeons himself with a fitness center weight, all whereas sporting a disturbing smile. This occasion heralds a brand new wave of nightmares that may engulf Skye’s life.
If Finn felt considerably restrained within the first movie—probably resulting from a smaller price range and decrease expectations—he absolutely unleashes his artistic imaginative and prescient in “Smile 2.” He crafts a chilling ambiance of psychological warfare that impacts each the protagonist and the viewers. Skye serves as a superb conduit for this exploration, reflecting the all-too-common struggles of pop stars with dependancy and public scrutiny. This backdrop permits the movie to delve deeper into the emotional wreckage that the entity inflicts upon her, giving “Smile 2” an edge its predecessor lacked.
Whereas “Smile’s” Rose Cotter was a therapist with some coping expertise, Skye lacks such psychological fortitude, making her vulnerability to the entity’s manipulations much more pronounced. One notably memorable sequence options what might be dubbed the world’s most terrifying smile mosh pit. At instances, it feels as if Finn pushes the narrative to its limits, and with a runtime exceeding two hours, a number of scenes may have been trimmed for pacing. Nonetheless, it’s exhausting to not admire his willingness to broaden the boundaries of what audiences anticipate from a studio horror movie.
And this 12 months has seen a resurgence in high quality studio horror, with releases like “The First Omen” and “Converse No Evil,” alongside spectacular indies “Longlegs” and “Terrifier 3.” “Smile 2” epitomizes what a sequel ought to obtain: it expands the universe with out diminishing the unique, raises the stakes, and units a logical path for future installments. Finn reveals a newfound confidence that won’t have been as evident in “Smile,” showcasing his prowess as a filmmaker who can navigate a bigger price range whereas sustaining his artistic imaginative and prescient. The result’s a visceral expertise that satisfies the yearning for a top quality horror movie, particularly throughout Halloween season.
SMILE 2 is now taking part in in theaters.