In 2020, writer/director Parker Finn created an 11-minute short film entitled Laura Hasn't Slept. The success of that story was the beginning of a deal that led to his feature film debut two years later called Smile. Originally slated to be released on Paramount Pictures' streaming service, Paramount+, Smile instead got a theatrical release after it tested well with audiences. The psychological, supernatural horror film, which had a $17 million budget, ended up grossing $217 million worldwide. This month, the highly anticipated sequel, Smile 2 starring Naomi Scott (Aladdin), will hit theaters on October 18, 2024.
Skye Riley (Scott) is a world-famous musical recording artist who, a year prior, made headlines when she and her boyfriend were in a horrific car accident that killed him and left Skye with permanent scars-physically, emotionally, and mentally. Now, as she is ready to make her professional comeback and make amends for her prior drug abuse, she watches as her former drug dealer kills himself in front of her. Suddenly, Skye becomes more and more paranoid and begins seeing people and images that aren't really there. As her "momager," assistant, and financial backer begin to wonder if she is back on drugs, Skye tries to do everything she can to end the curse that is destroying her life.
Part of what makes the movie as successful as it is is the cast. Scott is as great as Skye Riley. Not only does she have the singing and dancing talent to convincingly pull off the part of a pop star, but she manages to act ever increasingly paranoid and mentally disturbed as the movie progresses. Rosemarie DeWitt (Rachel Getting Married) is very good as Skye's Mom/Manager. Miles Gutierrez-Riley offers some comic relief as Skye's assistant. The remaining cast are merely there to fill in the gaps.
As he continues this menacing demon tale, Finn offers a solid script and, as mentioned previously, knows how to throw in a joke or two as well. His camera angles and unique shots give some flair and depth to the film not often seen in horror. From upside-down filming moments to looking down from the top of Skye's apartment building, there are numerous times that Finn offers a unique perspective both literally and figuratively. Close-ups are also quite effective, as we can see the terror in Skye's eyes as the snot runs down her nose.
Scott also personally sings a number of the songs in the movie, allowing her to release an EP of the music from the film. As mentioned, Scott can sing and dance, and while both talents are showcased throughout, it is her ability to mentally disintegrate before our eyes that makes her a standout in this sequel. Finn also can direct Scott to an ever-increasing frenzy that makes the story believable.
In 2022, Smile took the box office by storm, so a sequel was all but an inevitability. However, no one could predict such a strong second helping from a first-time filmmaker, especially when so many sequels never live up to the original. Of course, no horror movie sequel is perfect, and Smile 2 is no exception.
The last 15 minutes are rather groan-worthy, and the former victims stalking Skye in her apartment towards the end of the movie had the audience laughing more than once. Finn needed to leave that bit on the cutting room floor but sadly he didn't. Nor did he leave the demon as is, but instead made it look like a big, bloody dog waiting for its master to give it a treat.
Smile 2 has a few less-than-stellar moments but continues the tradition set in the first film, and based on the ending, a third film is most probably going to happen. Interestingly, it also sets the story up for the possibility of a long, long franchise, but only if Finn can keep the plot fresh and interesting each time.
Grade: B
