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Smile 2 (2024)
- Dominique Rideout
- Dec 1, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 4, 2024
Rating: 4.5/5
"Smile 2" isn’t just a sequel; it’s a statement. Parker Finn doubles down on everything that made the first film hit so hard, blending psychological torment with a scathing critique of celebrity culture. Naomi Scott steps into the spotlight as a troubled pop star, and let’s be clear—her performance doesn’t just carry the film; it drags it kicking and screaming into must-watch territory. This is horror with a message, and it’s not afraid to make you uncomfortable. Critics have been buzzing with mixed emotions, but one thing is clear: Smile 2 isn’t just here to unsettle—it’s here to make you think. With themes that cut deep and scares that go deeper, Finn’s sequel dares to explore the commodification of trauma with some of the most ambitious horror scenes in recent memory. Thoughtful and terrifying? That’s the real one-two punch.
Plot Summary
Skye Riley thought fame was her biggest problem—until those haunting smiles started popping up everywhere she turned. Mirrors, crowds, shadows—you name it. As her sanity unravels, she’s forced to confront a chilling truth: her past traumas might hold the key to a curse that’s dead set on devouring her. Behind the glitz and glamour of stardom lies a darker truth, and Skye’s demons? They might be the real monsters lurking in the spotlight.
Chopping Block - Hits & Misses
Hits
Naomi Scott as Skye is a revelation. She’s so good you’ll forget she’s acting—and start worrying if she’s okay IRL.
The kills? Oh, they’re a twisted delight. Whoever dreamed these up definitely needs therapy... but also a round of applause.
Fame and trauma might sound like heavy topics for a horror movie, but Smile 2 tackles them with surprising depth—and just the right amount of bite.
Misses
While effective early on, the jump scares lose their edge, eventually feeling like a crutch instead of a creative choice.
Hallucinatory fake-outs are a bold choice, but sometimes they undermine the film’s emotional stakes.
The second act stumbles with pacing issues, briefly derailing the film’s gripping narrative flow.
Full Review
Scare Factor — Points: 1
With deeply unsettling visuals and an ever-present sense of dread, "Smile 2" keeps the tension high. Even when you see the scares coming, they still manage to sneak up and make your skin crawl. Predictable? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.
Storyline and Plot — Points: .5
With a layered narrative and bold themes, "Smile 2" reaches for greatness and gets close. But pacing missteps and some reliance on genre conventions keep it from fully breaking the mold.
Atmosphere and Setting — Points: 1
The film’s sharp contrast between fame’s dazzling veneer and the suffocating darkness beneath it is nothing short of masterful. "Smile 2" doesn’t just show you Skye’s fractured reality—it drags you into it, piece by unsettling piece.
Special Effects and Makeup — Points: 1
"Smile 2" raises the bar with its chilling effects and jaw-dropping gore. Every smile, every death, and every unsettling moment is brought to life with stunning precision, proving this team knows exactly how to get under your skin.
Acting and Performances — Points: 1
Naomi Scott’s performance is nothing short of transformative, anchoring the film with a layered, devastating portrayal of a pop star in freefall. The rest of the cast brings the emotional heft too, making the whole unraveling feel like a group effort in the best way.
Final Verdict
"Smile 2" doesn’t just follow in its predecessor’s footsteps—it carves its own twisted path through the gritty intersections of trauma and fame. With a mix of bone-chilling scares and thematic depth, it dares to be more than just another horror sequel. Sure, it leans on predictability at times, but Naomi Scott’s powerhouse performance and its psychological edge make it a must-see. Fans of films like Black Swan and It Follows will find plenty to love here.
