“Smile 2” is a horror movie starring Naomi Scott. It is directed by Parker Finn.
As he did in the first installment, Parker Finn once again takes on the roles of both writer and director for this film. Though it shows improvements in both direction and script, it loses a significant amount of the surprise element that made the original so unique. By playing with the boundary between reality and fiction, “Smile 2” emerges as a strong horror film, particularly notable for its visual aspects and meticulous production and cinematography. A key factor in its success is the performance of Naomi Scott, who carries the film from start to finish. Without her, the movie might have been just another sequel.
Plot
Music superstar Skye Riley visits a local dealer to buy tranquilizers. Suddenly, the dealer goes mad and strikes himself with a gym weight. From that moment on, Skye begins experiencing visions linked to the eerie smile the dealer had before his demise.
About the film
While it doesn’t claim the title of the year’s best horror film, it introduces fresh ideas and aesthetically surpasses the original. “Smile 2” is a dark film built on jump scares and the impact of certain scenes. The drawback: these scenes are quite predictable, and the source of terror is easily identifiable. However, from an aesthetic standpoint, it excels with a well-executed style and cinematic rhythm. The shots are intricately crafted, sequences are flawlessly directed from beginning to end, and the framing is elaborate, all contributing to a direction that consistently aims to mislead the audience. Whether the smiles draw inspiration from Jack Nicholson in The Shining (1980) is left to the viewer’s judgment.
Special mention should be made of Naomi Scott, who gives her all in this role. Her performance places her as a strong contender for more dramatic roles beyond the horror genre, showcasing versatility, strength, and emotional depth. She is an actress with a promising future.
Our opinion
While it may not surprise, it captivates due to its style, impressive cinematography, and lead actress. Without attempting to overhaul the elements that made the first film a hit, it innovates just enough to stand out as a good sequel and enhance its predecessor from a cinematic perspective. “Smile 2” manages to hold the audience’s attention and improves upon the original in terms of both execution and artistic direction.
