Drawing inspiration from classic horror tropes seen in films like “The Ring” and “It Follows,” “Smile” delves deep into the effects of trauma and PTSD and how trauma passes from one person to another. Centered around clinical psychologist Dr. Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon), when one of Cotter's patients commits suicide in front of her eyes, she is traumatized. But as she researches her patient's past to determine the cause of the affliction, she uncovers a troubling pattern that suggests a dire outcome for Rose herself. As she begins to lose her grip on reality, Cotter will have to confront the trauma of her past in order to escape from the entity that is hellbent on destroying everything she holds dear.

“Smile” is an exceptional horror film boasting some of the most spine-chilling scares I've seen recently. Directed by Parker Finn, the cinematography is top-notch, featuring an impressive display of artful camera angles, rotations, and inversions that add to the movie's overall impact. Bacon delivers a magnificent and emotionally charged performance that leaves an indelible impression on the audience.

The film dragged ever so slightly in the middle, as there's a prolonged stretch without any significant scares. The narrative felt repetitive during that stretch. But as the film barrels towards its third act, it takes wildly unexpected turns, including an ending that left my jaw on the floor. Minor pacing issues aside, “Smile” is a film that manages to strike a perfect balance between terror and intrigue, is an impressive debut film from Parker Finn, and serves as a wonderful showcase for Sosie Bacon. I highly recommend it to horror enthusiasts.

— 3.5 / 5 ⭐