October’s horror offerings have been lackluster, with Netflix’s sequel to The Platform and HBO Max’s Salem’s Lot failing to impress. However, the release of Smile 2 stands out, building on its predecessor’s success. The film follows psychiatrist Rose Cotter as she confronts a malevolent force connected to a popstar, delivering a blend of terror, humor, and gore. With a strong performance by Naomi Grace and a captivating pace, Smile 2 ensures a thrilling viewing experience, especially when shared with friends.
Fans of horror films may find that October has offered a lackluster selection of thrilling stories. While Netflix attempted to follow up on its unique project, The Platform, which found an audience during the pandemic, its sequel fails to meet expectations. Over on HBO Max, the remake of Salem’s Lot struggles to compete with the original, which, despite its 45-year-old special effects, delivers a far more convincing experience than Gary Dauberman’s new adaptation. The only standout in theaters seems to be the latest installment of Terrifier, which is performing spectacularly at the box office, surpassing even major hits like The Joker. Despite the weak competition for the title of the top horror movie this Halloween season, a solid new contender has emerged: Smile 2.
Smile 2: The Perfect Movie for Group Viewings
Debuting in theaters on October 16, Smile 2 serves as the follow-up to a successful original that focuses on psychiatrist Rose Cotter. After witnessing a traumatic event involving one of her patients, Rose finds herself haunted by a mysterious force that manifests in an eerie, unnatural smile on people’s faces, often preceding tragic occurrences. The unsettling concept of a stranger grinning at you without reason adds to the film’s chilling atmosphere. Notably, the original film grossed over $200 million against a modest $17 million budget. This financial success encouraged director Parker Finn to create a sequel that promises to be even more thrilling.
In this sequel, Smile 2 delves deeper into themes of fear, mental health, and the transfer of evil, incorporating the darker aspects of celebrity culture through the narrative of a troubled pop star. Naomi Grace, known for her role in the latest Charlie’s Angels, skillfully embodies this struggling character, Skye Riley, who is grappling with insidious personal demons just before a major world tour. As Skye experiences increasingly bizarre occurrences, she must confront her tumultuous past to reclaim control over her life. The supporting cast offers minor roles, as the film primarily focuses on Skye’s journey, showcasing her impressive physical acting.
Prepare for Thrills and Laughter
If you enjoyed the first movie, you’ll find familiar territory here: characters plagued by hallucinations, distorted visages, monstrous creatures, and harrowing past experiences, all driven by a malevolent force towards self-destruction. What follows is a cycle of violent encounters, enhanced by skillfully executed gore sequences and an abundance of cleverly timed jump scares that amplify the fun when watching with friends. Sharing laughs while watching Panthaa nearly jump out of her seat repeatedly made for some unforgettable moments. The film maintains a brisk pace, launching into graphic horror from the outset and never really slowing down (though sensitive viewers might want to look away during the bloodier scenes). Nevertheless, at 2 hours and 12 minutes, a slightly tighter runtime could have benefitted the overall impact.
You might think that the concept of a malevolent smiling entity would struggle to sustain viewer interest, yet Smile 2 manages to be both more enjoyable and more frightening than its predecessor, employing classic horror tropes effectively. It’s pure entertainment that’s best experienced with a group, ensuring plenty of jumps and laughter along the way. For those intrigued by Finn’s work, he is set to direct a remake of Possession, a cult horror classic featuring Isabelle Adjani, produced by none other than Robert Pattinson. Notably, themes of smiling have tied all of his projects together, beginning with his first short, The Hidebehind (available on YouTube via Alter), which features a grotesque creature wearing a forced grin.