Smile 2 Review — A Masterful Horror Sequel That Amplifies the Original’s Success

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In 2022,Smilesurprised audiences with a creative premise that culminated in one of the most memorable, successful horror movies of that year. However, I feel its ending missed the perfect opportunity to close its original story at the most appropriate, thematically ideal moment. Regardless, filmmaker Parker Finn stood out for his technical skill and imaginative storytelling, which led to high expectations for the sequel,Smile 2, led byNaomi Scott(Aladdin).

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Just as she’s about to start a new world tour, pop sensation Skye Riley (Scott) begins to experience increasingly terrifying, inexplicable events. Overwhelmed by rising horrors and the pressures of fame, Skye is forced to confront her traumatic past to regain control of her life before it slips away completely.Smile 2picks up immediately following the original flick, with an intensely captivating opening sequence as a gateway to an impressive spectacle that surpasses all expectations.

Smile 2Review

“I keep seeing his face everywhere”: Smile 2 Trailer Does it Again as the World Gets Ready for Another Creepy Marketing Campaign for Naomi Scott Sequel

Smile 2is the best horror film of 2024. Yes, this is an admittedly bold statement, considering that movies likeThe Substance,Alien: Romulus,Longlegs,A Quiet Place: Day One, andSpeak No Evil, among others, were released this year. But the truth is that Finn takes everything that worked in his feature film debut and elevates every filmmaking and storytelling aspect within a narrative about the overwhelming weight of trauma, grief, and, above all, guilt, as well as an intriguing study of the loneliness brought on by global fame and the lack of genuine human connections.

Smileuses a “fake ending” to mislead the audience, ultimately dragging on too long and becoming abrupt when reality sets in, giving the impression that the goal was to force a sequel rather than conclude an inspiring arc about overcoming past traumas.Smile 2achieves what its predecessor could not: bringing all presented and developed topics to their thematic peak and brilliantly executing one of the two natural conclusions with a truly surprising trick up its sleeve that will leave no one indifferent.

“I keep seeing his face everywhere”: Smile 2 Trailer Does it Again as the World Gets Ready for Another Creepy Marketing Campaign for Naomi Scott Sequel

Skye is a complex character who achieved her dreams, but her dark past haunts her long before encountering the demonic entity. Just as in the previous movie, Finn first focuses on creating a palpable connection with the protagonist before delivering the horror entertainment thatSmile 2‘s marketing campaign promised its target audience. And it’s precisely on the technical front that the sequel surpasses the original in every aspect, demonstrating the incredible growth of the artists involved, as much of the team returns for the sequel, including Charlie Sarroff (DP), Elliot Greenberg (editor), Alexis Forte (costume designer), Lester Cohen (production designer), and Cristobal Tapia de Veer (composer).

There Won’t be Any Nepo Baby Argument Around Smile 2- Jack Nicholson’s Son Ray Nicholson Looks Absolutely Creepy and Promising in Latest Trailer

Personally, I believe the biggest standout is Sarroff’s cinematography.Smile 2contains numerous sequences filled with clever angles, long takes with phenomenal stunts and choreography, and effective jumpscares – it’s worth remembering thatSmiledelivered one of the most unexpected scares in recent years. Even the close-ups feel stunningly tense, thanks to the eerie atmosphere generated by the DP, without relying on shrill sounds or generic background music. The fact that the protagonist is a pop star allows for bigger sets and more extravagant costumes, which also leads to outstanding dance and performance sequences.

The makeup and visual effects departments deserve just as much praise.Smile 2features high levels of gore, with various grotesque, bloody imagery that linger long after the film ends. From ripped-out hair to all sorts of disgusting scenes involving human skin, not to mention broken bones and macabre car accidents, Finn owes the vast majority of the audience’s squeamish reactions to the artists in these areas, which are tremendously impactful to the movie’s success.

Ray Nicholson in Smile 2

All that said, a weak lead performance could ruin everything, but Scott, like much of the rest of theSmile 2team, delivers the best work of her career. SinceAladdin, I had the impression that the actress’ potential was greater than many thought, and I couldn’t be happier to confirm that I, too, was wrong. Even with a tall view of her talent, Scott managed to astonish me with an extraordinarily complete performance.

“I vomited off-camera!”: Lukas Gage Teases Terrifying Horror Sequel ‘Smile 2’ That Made Him Sick to His Stomach While Filming

Physically, Scott literally throws herself into everything Finn tosses at her, whether it’s stunts involving crashing into walls and getting hit with objects or complex stage choreography. Vocally, the actress lends her beautiful voice to songs that I can’t wait to hear when the score is released. In terms of expressions and dialogue delivery, her range provides a vast showcase of emotions where her screams and cries stand out among an endless array of unforgettable shots of her desperate face.

Honestly,Smile 2only falls short in terms of narrative novelty. There are no more secrets behind the sinister smiles, nor how to defeat the demon, just as the monster’s usual process of tormenting its victims remains. Therefore, there’s a period between the second and third acts that, while never suffering from pacing issues, becomes repetitive and structurally predictable. A non-issue that won’t stop anyone from enjoying horror at its highest level.

There Won’t be Any Nepo Baby Argument Around Smile 2- Jack Nicholson’s Son Ray Nicholson Looks Absolutely Creepy and Promising in Latest Trailer

IsSmile 2worth watching?

Smile 2not only proves to be the best horror movie of 2024, but it also stands out as one of the best horror sequels in recent years, improving upon all aspects that made the original a gigantic success. Through a thought-provoking exploration of trauma, loss, and guilt, the story’s rising emotional intensity elevates the fascinating horror elements, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience. Naomi Scott’s career-best, riveting performance combines with technical qualities worthy of awards-season recognition, solidifying Parker Finn’s name as one of the most promising filmmakers in contemporary horror.

Smile 2releases in theaters on October 18.