A troubled pop star is terrorized by a supernatural curse that puts her big comeback—and life—in jeopardy. Starring Naomi Scott, Smile 2 successfully follows and improves upon its predecessor by raising the bar higher for a more frightening and mind-bending descent.
The film follows Scott‘s character Skye Riley, a hugely successful singer who, after a difficult year recovering from an accident and getting sober, is finally rehearsing for a world tour. But as she prepares for her return to the public eye, she witnesses a horrific suicide that leaves her dismayed. She’ll soon discover it’s not just the post-traumatic stress of seeing such a graphic death but an unshakable curse.
While the setup is similar, Smile 2 presents a unique story that places viewers backstage of a superstar’s downfall. Where Smile focuses on generational trauma, the mental health themes shift in this film to tackle the not-so-glamorous life of stardom, overcoming addiction, and the mounting pressures.
Since the protagonist is a celebrity, writer/director Parker Finn adds some glitz to the film’s overall style to match. From vibrant visuals to intriguing compositions to set design and costuming, all add to its captivating aesthetic. I thought this juxtaposition of a luxurious lifestyle infected by terrifying frights to be so sumptuous.
It was also so amazing to see the film able to capture the essence of a pop star. That was one of my many issues with Trap, how they failed to present an adequate production level and magnitude of an arena show. Funnily enough, that film had a larger budget, but Smile 2 didn’t falter on giving us a realistic performer and memorable music.
A lot of that can also be attributed to Scott, who is brilliant in the role. She embodies everything necessary to be the Skye Riley. Her vocals, her choreography, and her demeanor are so on point. Even more impressive is how she is then able to sink into these horrific moments and deliver a fearful and unnerving performance.
Her character is put through so much in this film, certainly more than Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon) in the first film, and that’s saying something. Smile 2 is mean. It’s more intense with its scares and mindfuckery than before, with the Smile Entity presenting a labyrinth of tricks on Skye. Which in turn gives many twists for viewers.
There is also an undeniably heartbreaking aspect to Skye’s situation, as she’s perceived by her inner circle as an addict relapsing. I appreciate how Finn presents this, making you genuinely care about what she has been going through, even before the curse. Then, the public scrutiny adds another layer of chaos to her experiences.
Smile 2 succeeds in so many ways. It follows up from the events so well (which I can’t dive into because of spoilers). But then it crafts this theatrical experience that is so edge-of-your-seat thrilling with exceptional practical effects and intense sound design. It’s so sick and twisted, but you can’t look away. Those looking for a truly wild horror experience will happily leave with a demented smile by the end.
Smile 2 is now in theaters
Jordy Reviews It 
0 comments on “SMILE 2: A Terrifying Pop Star Comeback”