Smile 2

Smile 2 serves as a masterclass in the psychological horror genre, expanding on the foundation of its predecessor while exploring deeper themes of societal expectations and media pressure. Directed by Parker Finn, who returns to helm the sequel, the movie tackles the familiar trope of possession but repackages it within the hyper-pressurized world of fame. The original Smile (2022) was praised for its eerie, unsettling atmosphere, rooted in the concept of a demonic entity that drives people to suicide after they experience grotesque, cursed smiles. In Smile 2, Parker Finn intelligently chooses to explore this psychological horror through the life of a new protagonist, a pop star named Skye Riley, played by Naomi Scott  .

Whereas the original film dealt with a therapist haunted by an entity preying on her mind, Smile 2 shifts to a larger, more public stage: the life of a global celebrity constantly under scrutiny. This change in setting makes the stakes feel even more personal. Skye Riley’s fame, her performances, and her carefully curated public image are turned against her, highlighting how, in this social media-driven age, a smile—usually a sign of happiness—can mask insidious evil.

The decision to feature a pop star as the target of the curse seems like a bold narrative move. Skye Riley’s glamorous and superficial world becomes a natural breeding ground for horror. The film cleverly uses the trope of smiling for the cameras as a source of dread. In this way, Smile 2 effectively expands the universe of the curse. The entity is no longer confined to the victims’ close circles but extends into the realm of mass influence and celebrity culture, raising the question: could a globally recognized figure inadvertently spread the curse even further by living under constant public observation?  

Visually, Smile 2 is more ambitious than its predecessor. The first film relied heavily on close-ups and claustrophobic environments to trap the viewer alongside the protagonist. This time around, Parker Finn uses the flashy world of pop stardom to create a stark contrast between light and darkness. Early footage from CinemaCon 2024 revealed that the film employs a glitzier aesthetic, matching the life of a pop star with flashier sets and a grander scale. The film’s atmosphere—defined by colorful concert performances, intrusive paparazzi, and stage lights—clashes brilliantly with the unsettling presence of the cursed smiles .

Despite the shift to a more public stage, the horror in Smile 2 retains the personal, psychological aspect that made the original film successful. Just as in It Follows, where the demon blends into the background of normal life, the Smile demon is perfectly camouflaged in the world of celebrity. Surrounded by publicists, fans, and sycophants—all expected to smile constantly—Skye Riley becomes increasingly isolated, unable to distinguish between genuine expressions and those infected by the entity.

Naomi Scott, best known for her roles in Aladdin (2019) and Power Rangers (2017), takes on the challenge of leading a horror film with great success. Her portrayal of Skye Riley brings an emotional depth that allows audiences to empathize with her descent into paranoia and terror. As a pop star, Skye is constantly on display, her every move analyzed and critiqued by millions. The psychological toll of balancing fame, mental health, and the looming supernatural threat adds a rich layer to Scott’s performance, providing both vulnerability and strength. Kyle Gallner, the sole returning cast member from the original film, reprises his role as Joel, the police officer who witnessed the events of the first Smile. Though his role appears smaller this time, his presence serves as a bridge between the two films, anchoring the narrative and providing continuity. Other cast members, such as Lukas Gage and Rosemarie DeWitt, complement the ensemble by injecting new blood into the franchise, though details about their characters remain under wraps .

One of the key elements of Smile 2 is the expansion of the mythos surrounding the curse. The first film kept the origin and nature of the demonic entity ambiguous, allowing the fear of the unknown to drive much of the horror. In the sequel, the audience can expect some new revelations, though Parker Finn has been careful not to over-explain the curse, preserving the mystery that made it so terrifying. The notion that the curse might evolve or seek new methods of spreading—potentially using Skye’s massive social platform—adds a layer of modern anxiety, particularly in the age of viral media.

What makes Smile 2 stand out among horror sequels is its commentary on fame, mental health, and the cost of public perception. In many ways, the movie is an allegory for how society demands perfection from its celebrities. The constant pressure to smile for the camera and maintain a flawless image, even when struggling with deep personal turmoil, resonates strongly in today’s celebrity culture. By making Skye Riley a pop star, Finn creates an ironic parallel between the demon’s curse and the very industry that profits from selling smiles to millions. It’s a critique on how we consume media and how the personas celebrities project are often inauthentic, masking their inner demons.

As a follow-up to one of 2022’s sleeper horror hits, Smile 2 successfully builds on the original film’s foundation while exploring fresh, socially relevant territory. Parker Finn’s direction, Naomi Scott’s performance, and the film’s aesthetic approach make it a visually stunning and emotionally gripping entry in the psychological horror genre. While it remains to be seen if it can match the financial and critical success of the first movie, Smile 2 has all the makings of a modern horror classic, tapping into our deepest anxieties about fame, authenticity, and the masks we wear  .

Smile 2
Written and directed by Parker Finn
Based on Characters by Parker Finn
Produced by Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey, Isaac Klausner, Parker Finn, Robert Salerno
Starring Naomi Scott, Rosemarie DeWitt, Kyle Gallner, Lukas Gage, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Peter Jacobson, Raúl Castillo, Dylan Gelula, Ray Nicholson
Cinematography : Charlie Sarroff
Production company : Temple Hill Entertainment
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date : October 16, 2024 (France), October 18, 2024 (United States)
Running time : 127 minutes

Seen on October 14, 2024 at Cinema Le Grand Rex (Paris)

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