Review ‘Smile 2’

What about the tour? 

The movie that shocked the world with its viral marketing campaign in 2022 has returned with a second installment that massively elevates the original concept and has a lot to say about the taboo topics associated with fame—depression, isolation, substance abuse and addiction. Smile 2 picks up right where the first left off and follows Scream King Kyle Gallner as Joel who, while still reeling from Rose’s death, tries to pass the curse on to someone who might deserve it.

Unfortunately, things don’t go according to plan and the parasitic demon latches on to a new host. We learned in Smile (2022) that this metaphysical parasite preys on the weak of mind, often finding itself attaching to victims of trauma. This was meant to represent a young therapist’s battle with mental illness and her own horrifying past. Rose (Sosie Bacon) and Joel uncovered that the demon seeks to unravel the victim’s mind within a few days, inciting hallucinations and other terrors, which is how the demon feeds. The bigger the trauma, the bigger the meal.

And boy, does this monster get an all-you-can-eat buffet when it finds itself smiling at recovering pop star Skye Riley.

Whoever is claiming Naomi Scott gives a career defining performance might just be understating things. Scott gives a horror-defining performance as Skye Riley in Smile 2— coupled with Charlie Sarroff’s cinematography and Parker Finn’s direction, it is clear Paramount Pictures has no intention of pulling their punches when it comes to the quality of their horror slate in 2024. Scott’s frantic and delirious performance is sprinkled with subtle nuances, giving us a peek into the lives of celebrities in a way we don’t often see. The subject matter is poignant, timely and frankly, the most terrifying aspect of this film.

Skye has just landed back in the spotlight after a year-long disappearance to announce her new world tour. Considering she spent that year in recovery after a tragic drug-induced car crash left her actor boyfriend Paul Hudson (Ray Nicholson) dead, fans and tabloids are devouring her public return and foaming at the mouth in anticipation of her tour.

When talking about how this film addresses grief and depression, Finn deserves his flowers for many reasons. But none more so than how he illustrates that recovery is not a straight line. It has peaks and valleys. There are highs and lows we watch Skye experience that add a depth to this film its predecessor lacked. As opposed to a steep descent downward into madness, Skye has precious moments with the people she cherishes… which makes it all the more frightening when those moments are contrasted by the terrors of this demon’s sadistic haunting.

Packed with jump scares and topped off by a jaw-dropping ending, Finn makes it evident to audiences that this is a film he wants everyone to remember. A lot scarier than the first and certainly deeper in its exploration of the themes it proposes, Smile 2 is a must-watch for fans of the genre and those who are interested in the many prices of fame.

Watch the trailer for Smile 2 below