Smile 2 Review: An Intense, Masterfully Crafted Sequel

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As a horror enthusiast who’s seen my fair share of sequels that failed to live up to their predecessors, I must admit that Smile 2 has pleasantly surprised me. Two years ago, Parker Finn shook the horror world with his debut feature Smile, and now he’s back with a vengeance, outdoing himself in this terrifying sequel.

In two years from now, Parker Finn, who sent shivers down everyone’s spine with his horror blockbuster Smile, is coming back with a follow-up titled Smile 2. Although it made an impressive $217.4 million on a budget of only $17 million for its initial release, the success of one film doesn’t guarantee another. As we await its box office performance, there’s no denying that Parker Finn is an exceptional director who has once again raised the bar with his work.

As a die-hard horror game enthusiast, let me tell you that Smile 2 stands tall among the finest horror sequels ever crafted. Creating a follow-up to a hit horror flick is no walk in the park; even the great ones often fall short compared to their predecessors. Yet, Smile 2 manages to surpass all expectations by delivering an experience that rivals – and for some, exceeds – the original masterpiece.

In this story, we encounter Naomi Scott’s portrayal of Skye Riley, a renowned pop artist. Skye’s past unfolds swiftly, painting her as a character brimming with anticipation for a professional resurgence following a heart-wrenching event the previous year. The choice to make the main character a celebrated musician carries an element of risk, as such figures can be difficult for many viewers to identify with. However, Finn’s script skillfully bridges this gap by making Skye relatable whenever possible.

Similar to the first film, Finn invests considerable time in fleshing out the main character. Unlike its predecessor, the second installment predominantly introduces fresh characters, requiring audiences to empathize with them swiftly. The genuine and engaging music in the movie makes connecting with these individuals effortless. Scott, a gifted musician, contributes her exceptional vocal abilities to Skye’s portrayal. Additionally, she masterfully adopts an impeccable American accent during some of the year’s most powerful scenes. Her performance in this film is remarkable, as it appears challenging yet flawless.

In this new movie, Skye shares the same destiny as Rose from the original film, which could potentially make the story feel repetitive. However, what sets this film apart is that Skye is a renowned pop star, adding more weight to the narrative. Her need to preserve her public image means there’s a lot on the line if she behaves unpredictably in public. Unfortunately for her, the malevolent force is determined to make her life a misery. What makes the Smile series exceptional is its psychological depth. This film unfolds with a structure that keeps us questioning whether the horrors experienced by Skye are real or merely figments of her imagination.

I enjoy horror films that make you fear for the main character’s fate, as they suffer terrible consequences. The Smile movies fit this description perfectly, and they each handle the terror in unique ways. It’s also worth mentioning that since Skye is just starting with this curse, she doesn’t know how to get rid of it like Rose did. She must juggle her career while internally falling apart, only discovering that there is no simple solution to remove the curse. Watching her battle with it is heartbreaking. This script goes beyond the original storyline while providing all the chills and thrills you’d expect.

Finn excels in handling the frightening aspects flawlessly. His expertise in horror direction is evident, and I am eagerly anticipating his future projects under his first-look deal with Paramount. Similar to his initial film, his jump scares are meticulously designed. He skillfully generates an immense amount of apprehension and suspense. For instance, there’s a scene where Skye watches a video on her phone. The video continues to zoom into a dark area, causing you to lean back in your seat in anticipation of what might appear. He has a knack for extracting tension from even the briefest moments of silence. Then, when we are at our quietest, he strikes, giving us a sudden heart-stopping moment.

In a fresh take, Smile 2 elevates the madness of the original movie by delivering an intense, graphically violent sequel that gets it just right. Scott’s portrayal is nothing less than captivating. The ensemble cast excels, and Finn’s dialogue seems naturally suited for each character. It’s essential to acknowledge Finn’s exceptional talent in creating diverse characters (particularly female characters) who all sound unique and distinct. Although the ending may be somewhat predictable, there are numerous instances where Finn catches you off guard. This movie will leave you astounded and struggling to catch your breath; it’s one of the best horror films of 2024.

SCORE: 8/10

According to ComingSoon’s review guidelines, a score of 8 signifies “Excellent.” Although there are some minor flaws, this rating indicates that the artwork achieves its objective successfully and leaves a lasting impression.

Disclosure: ComingSoon attended a press screening for our Smile 2 review.

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2024-10-16 16:10