00:00Smile 2 generally received positive reviews from critics, with many praising its expansion on the original film's concept and a standout performance from its lead, Naomi Scott.
00:12Smile 2, directed by Parker Finn, is a bold and ambitious sequel to the 2022 horror hit Smile.
00:19This psychological horror film shifts the focus from the original psychiatrist protagonist to Sky Riley, Naomi Scott, a global pop star grappling with the pressures of fame, addiction, and a haunting supernatural entity.
00:35The film has received generally positive reviews for its intense scares, standout performances, and thematic depth, though it's not without flaws.
00:43Set six days after the events of Smile, the film opens with Joel, Kyle Gallner, a police officer from the first film, attempting to pass the Smile entity's curse by orchestrating a murder in front of a witness.
00:57The plan goes awry, and the curse transfers to drug dealer Louis, Lucas Gage.
01:04Sky Riley, a recovering addict preparing for a comeback world tour, visits Louis for Vicodin to manage chronic pain from a car accident that killed her boyfriend, Paul, Ray Nicholson.
01:17After witnessing Louis' gruesome suicide, Sky inherits the curse, plunging her into a spiral of terrifying hallucinations, paranoia, and psychological torment.
01:29The film explores Sky's unraveling mental state as she battles the entity, her past traumas, and the relentless demands of celebrity life.
01:39Naomi Scott's performance is a recurring highlight.
01:42Critics commend her portrayal of Sky Riley, a pop star grappling with supernatural horror and personal drama, describing her performance as sensational, breathtaking, and phenomenal.
01:54She effectively conveys the character's descent into madness and fear.
02:00Critics and audiences universally praise Naomi Scott's portrayal of Sky Riley.
02:04Her ability to convey vulnerability, rage, and desperation, while singing, dancing, and screaming through horror sequences, is described as sensational and Oscar-level.
02:16Scott anchors the film, making Sky a compelling, flawed, and empathetic character, despite her celebrity status.
02:23Her descent into madness is both heartbreaking and captivating, elevating the film beyond typical horror fare.
02:32While the core concept of the smile curse remains, the sequel explores new thematic ground, particularly focusing on the anxieties of fame, the isolating nature of stardom, addiction, and self-hatred.
02:45This adds depth beyond simply replicating the first film.
02:50Smile 2 is bigger, bloodier, and scarier than its predecessor.
02:56Finn's direction is confident, with inventive set pieces like the smile dancer sequence, where backup dancers with eerie grins swarm Sky in a mirrored hallway, blending horror with performance art.
03:08The film's cinematography by Charlie Saroff, fastidious editing by Elliot Greenberg, and Cristobal Tapia de Vier's atmospheric score create a relentless, immersive experience.
03:21A chaotic, single-take opening scene, and gory, brutal kills add to the film's intensity.
03:28Many reviewers found Smile 2 to be genuinely terrifying, with well-executed jump scares and a relentless buildup of tension and dread.
03:37The film's sound design and visuals are also frequently praised for contributing to its unsettling atmosphere.
03:43Unlike the first film, Smile 2 explores themes of fame, addiction, self-hatred, and the commodification of pop stars.
03:52The entity's torment feels like an extension of Sky's real-world pressures, making the horror metaphorically potent.
04:00The film draws parallels to real-life celebrities like Britney Spears, and reflects on the isolating, performative nature of stardom.
04:08This emotional core sets it apart from standard horror sequels.
04:13Director Parker Finn is credited with amplifying what worked in the first film, and bringing a polished, clever execution to the sequel.
04:22His stylistic choices and ability to create disturbing visuals are noted.
04:27The film balances jump scares with psychological dread, often using humor to lower defenses before delivering jolts.
04:35Critics note its mean-spirited yet fun tone, with moments like Sky guzzling Voss water or absurdly creepy hallucinations providing levity.
04:45The final act, particularly the ending, is praised for its audacious meta-twist that sets up potential for a third film.
04:54For fans of more visceral horror, the film doesn't shy away from gore and grisly images, often lingering on the more disturbing moments.
05:04Many reviewers consider Smile 2 a rare sequel that surpasses its predecessor.
05:09It expands the concept without betraying the original's mystique, offering a fresh setting and character-driven narrative.
05:16The pop star angle adds a unique layer, making the curse feel more dynamic.
05:22Smile 2 is generally seen as a worthy and often superior sequel to the original.
05:28It delivers on the horror elements that made the first film a hit, while effectively leveraging Naomi Scott's strong performance and exploring new facets of its unsettling premise.
05:38While some found it a bit repetitive or lengthy, the consensus leans towards it being a gripping and successful horror entry.
05:48Smile 2 is a thrilling, gory, and emotionally resonant sequel that surpasses the original in ambition and execution,
05:57driven by Naomi Scott's phenomenal performance and Parker Finn's bold direction.
06:02Its exploration of fame and trauma, paired with creative scares and a sleek production, makes it a standout horror film of 2024.
06:11However, its overlong runtime, repetitive structure, and underdeveloped supporting cast prevent it from reaching its full potential.
06:20For horror fans, it's a must-see for its intensity and Scott's star-making turn,
06:25but those seeking a fresh narrative may find it too similar to the first.
