Smile 2 (2024) spoiler free review
It will never let go. Smile 2 is a American psychological supernatural horror film written and directed by Parker Finn. Its a sequel to Smile (2022). It was released theatrically by Paramount Pictures in the United States on October 18, 2024.
About to embark on a world tour, global pop sensation Skye Riley begins experiencing increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events. Overwhelmed by the escalating horrors and the pressures of fame, Skye is forced to face her past.
Film synopsis
The cast includes Naomi Scott as Skye Riley, a famous pop music recording artist, Rosemarie DeWitt as Elizabeth Riley, Skye’s mother and manager, Miles Gutierrez-Riley as Joshua, Elizabeth and Skye’s assistant, Dylan Gelula as Gemma, Skye’s estranged best friend, Raúl Castillo as Darius Bravo, the head of Skye’s record company, Peter Jacobson as Morris, a nurse, Ray Nicholson as Paul Hudson, a deceased actor and Skye’s former boyfriend, Lukas Gage as Lewis Fregoli, a drug dealer and acquaintance of Skye, Kyle Gallner as Joel, a police officer, and Drew Barrymore as herself, interviewing Skye on her talk show The Drew Barrymore Show.
My Opinion
Being a celebrity brings luxuries, fame and your every desire at your fingertips. Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) has everything she ever wanted, but that doesn’t take away the problems inside her. After being forced to cancel her world tour due to a car accident, where her boyfriend died due to substance abuse from both of them, Skye is ready to return to the stage. Or so her producers, record label and fans believe. While trying to regain control of her life, Skye begins to experience a series of disturbing events that force her to confront her past and put her life and the lives of those around her at risk.
Set shortly after the first film, Smile 2 elevates every aspect of its predecessor by following the sequel rule: bigger, bloodier, more deaths. The practical effects and SFX makeup accentuate the bloodiest moments from the start and only become more brutal as the film progresses. Naomi Scott’s work is unmatched, an actress with previous experience in show business, giving her all bringing with her a surprising and convincing performance. The artistic aspect of the character is carried out to perfection while her emotional side exceeds expectations. The short work of Ray Nicholson, Lukas Gage and Kyle Gallner do not go unnoticed, all managing to stand out in their brief moments on screen.
The most notable element of Smile (2022) was the use of jump scares that were effective and genuinely scary for most of the audience. Smile 2 follows the same formula but the constant use of this causes the film to rely too much on them, becoming predictable. The story, even though it has its development and focuses partly on mental health, fails to surprise at all and is, like most jump scares, predictable. It should be noted that this does not detract from the fact that it is still an entertaining horror film. It begins where the first one ended and delves deeper into this supernatural creature that does so much damage with just a smile.
This sequel is an improvement on what began in 2020 with the short film “Laura Hasn’t Slept” and is perfect to watch during Halloween time. If you liked the first one, you will surely enjoy this sequel now available in theaters.