Parker Finn’s chilling film Smile was a box office hit at the moment of its release in 2022. The movie’s sequel was announced via trailer on September 3rd, 2024. Smile 2 was released a month later. This film took the horror and seat-gripping thrill of the first adaptation and amplified it ten-fold. This movie was much scarier than its other half. It relied on not only gore and the jumpcares but a psychological aspect as well. The overall atmosphere of the movie made the viewers feel as if they were right there with the main character, Skye Riley, played by Naomi Scott, as she descended into the madness of the Smile curse. The cinematography makes your heart race with suspense, not knowing who -or what-  the camera will pan to next. 

However, despite its highlights and higher ranking than the originals, it does have its flaws. The story took a predictable route and didn’t really bring anything new to the table. A lot of the main twists could be seen from miles away. It was paced a little strangely, as well. It seemed to jump from one plot point to another without any explanation as you’re expected to follow along with ease, leading to plot holes. The product placement was a little too in-your-face. The sponsored products were practically made into their own plot point. While the delivery of the scares are good, they don’t make up for the predictability of a lot of them.

 But to circle back to the positives, the lead acting was impeccable. Naomi Scott brought her character to life with such elegance that you could usually only find in a Stephen King work. Her portrayal of Skye Riley’s slow descent into madness whilst dealing with the curse was raw and realistic. Thinking about it, who wouldn’t act out irrationally if you were always seeing people who weren’t there, just smiling at you maliciously? The movie really encapsulates the fact that humor and horror often go hand in hand. The occasional dry humor adds a lighter ambiance to the heavy film. And not to mention the jumpscares that happen right when you’ve let your guard down really make the movie. Are they a little cheap? Sure. But do they really work? Absolutely. 

Smile 2, while having some flaws, was overall a good movie. The plot was good, but the acting and scare factors are really what made the film. The curse of the Smile monster continues, and it’s leaving us all waiting for more. Whether you were grinning through the terrors or hiding behind your hands, this film leaves you wondering the malice lurking behind your own reflection. It proves that some things are best left unseen- some smiles best left unreturned. By the time the credits roll, you’ll find yourself looking over your shoulder… and maybe even rethinking the smile you received from the stranger who took your ticket at the theatre. Don’t just watch this movie- survive it.