Technically, Parker Finn’s Smile 2 should not exist. Its predecessor, Smile, was originally conceived as a straight-to-streaming horror title. However, the results of early test screenings were so positive that the studio decided to release it into cinemas. The decision proved correct as Smile was one of the best performing horror films of 2022. Given the overwhelming success, a sequel was quickly greenlit with original director Parker Finn back at the helm.
Smile was an extension of Finn’s short film, Laura Hasn’t Slept, and so there is no better mind to continue this curse’s deadly story than him. For his sequel, Finn explores the power of the curse when it becomes intertwined with an international pop star, Skye Riley (Naomi Scott). Skye has been out of the public eye for a year in the aftermath of a car accident that killed her actor boyfriend. During that time Skye has worked on herself, become clean from drink and drugs, and is ready to embark on her rescheduled world tour. In the days leading up to opening night however, she finds herself the new host for the parasitical supernatural curse.
The first Smile was insular and intimate. Its protagonist, Rose (Sosie Bacon), was a reserved person who, during the course of the curse, became isolated from those around her. Consumed by her childhood trauma and grief, everything about the film felt as if the viewer was watching something horribly private. In Smile 2, Parker Finn switches things up and moves the setting into a much more public domain. In making the target of the curse famous, it means that the world watches her breakdown. That Skye also has a known history of substance abuse serves to get those around her gossiping and unable to believe her story. It’s a clever direction to take the series into, with Finn almost following the blueprint of the Alien series. Like Alien, Smile is contained and claustrophobic, and it is all-out war, a la Aliens, in Parker Finn’s sequel.
Smile 2 builds on the foundations that Parker Finn has made with both Laura Hasn’t Slept and Smile, and distorts them. There is the same chilling, unsettling atmosphere and deft mastery of silence, but this isn’t simply a greatest hits compilation. Instead, Smile 2 really drills down into the corruption of fame and how toxic life at the top can be. Right from her opening interview on the Drew Barrymore Show, it is evident that Skye is not ready to return to work. Those around her though – who include her mother – are blind to this. All are seduced by Skye’s fame and seek to use her to better their own lives by proxy. That these people control her every action means that Skye never has the opportunity to object, and because she is still riddled by the guilt of her accident, she doesn’t want to let anyone down.
Skye Riley is a wonderfully layered central character. Although clearly taken advantage of by those around her, Skye is never portrayed as a stereotypical victim, nor is she all sweet and innocent. Skye has a temper and it is this trait that most helpfully masks the severity of her ordeal as those working with her write her off as an hysterical diva. Skye is incredibly complex, but is brought to life delicately by Naomi Scott, whose performance should be career changing. Naomi Scott has been consistently working for years and has appeared in several high profile films including Power Rangers, Aladdin, and Charlie’s Angels. Sadly none of these projects have lived up to Scott’s talents, but Smile 2 changes all of that.
Not only does Scott work shine on the acting front, but she also dazzles with her vocal abilities, and dancing skills. Playing a popstar of course means songs, and to coincide with Smile 2’s release, Scott has released an EP under the name of Skye Riley. All of these songs make an appearance in the film, as do glimpses of music videos. Then there are several rehearsal sequences featuring intricate choreography, meaning that Scott has to be a triple threat in order to lead Smile 2. The result is a resounding success, and between this and Longlegs, horror really should be getting a look in this awards season.
With all the attention focussed on Skye, some will be wondering as to the fate of Smile’s Joel. Those questions are answered during Smile 2’s opening sequence, which picks up six days after the cliffhanger ending of Smile. This first sequence kicks off Smile 2 with an action packed bang, and is crying out for a short of some sort to fill in Joel’s tumultuous in-between days. This bold beginning is consistently built upon, as is the gore exhibited early on, slowly rising to an all mighty crescendo during the final moments. Parker Finn’s high concept sequel sticks the landing beautifully with its final image suitably disturbing.
A step up from the original at every turn, Smile 2 expands upon the already solid original, venturing to new frightful heights. Aided by a committed and compelling performance from Naomi Scott, Parker Finn’s sequel is a strong contender for horror of the year.
Smile 2
Summary
Naomi Scott has never been better in Parker Finn’s Smile 2, a layered and complex horror that betters its already strong predecessor on every level.
Smile 2 is in cinemas now.
