Smile 2 review | The smiling demon is at it again in horror sequel (original) (raw)
Director Parker Finn returns to helm a sequel to his 2022 smash hit horror film. Here’s our Smile 2 review.
The behind-the-scenes story of Smile, Parker Finn’s 2022 horror film, is quite something. It was originally set for release only on Paramount+, but the studio changed its mind after positive test screenings and Smile hit cinemas in October 2022. The film went on to gross roughly 217mattheglobalboxofficeagainstabudgetofjust217m at the global box office against a budget of just 217mattheglobalboxofficeagainstabudgetofjust17m. I’m not a maths genius, but I’d say that’s pretty good.
Finn is now looking to repeat the same trick with Smile 2. The sequel follows a pop star, Skye Riley, as she begins to notice people smiling creepily at her. As we know from the first film, this is actually a demon who moves from person to person and haunts you for a good week or so before taking over your body too, in pretty graphic detail as seen in the first film. Will she be able to deal with the entity better than the poor victims of Smile?
For the most part, Smile 2 is just a carbon copy of its predecessor, repeating the same beats and scares but with an increased budget. Smile 2 surpasses the previous film in terms of gore, but horror fans looking for something fresh might find themselves disappointed. The scares come strong and fast and there are some excellent jolts, but after the 25th loud noise and quick cut to someone’s face in close-up, it gets a bit tiring.
But is it scary? Not really, but neither was Smile. Finn goes for unsettling rather than outright scary and a shot of a person smiling creepily at the camera without blinking remains as creepy as ever. There’s a decent amount of tension and Finn is able to make the most of the negative space in every shot. I kept looking at the corners of the frame, half expecting to see someone there, just smiling.
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There’s a certain confidence to Finn’s direction that was lacking from Smile. Smile 2 is more stylish and has more to say, even if the story feels a little too familiar. Skye struggles with her mental health and her previous addiction and is trying to make a comeback after an horrific car accident nearly killed her. It’s a bit unfortunate that she now has a demon after her, too.
Naomi Scott, a highly underrated actress, gives the part her all. She sells Skye’s increasing paranoia and panic with an unhinged commitment and she certainly looks and sounds like a pop star. She’s surrounded with an excellent cast of credible actors whom the script gives absolutely nothing to do. Why would you cast Rosemarie Dewitt if you’re not going to give her a juicier role?
The film’s ending can be seen coming from a mile away, but there’s no denying that Smile 2 is a lot of fun, if you can forgive the repetition of same scares. Finn, who made his feature debut with Smile, has clearly developed his skills as a director and the result is a more entertaining sequel that ups the ante in every way it can.
Smile 2 is in cinemas from the 18th October.