In Smile 2, global pop sensation Skye Riley (played by Naomi Scott) is about to embark on a new world tour when her life begins to unravel. Having lost her boyfriend in a DUI car accident, Skye has taken a break from the spotlight to get sober and recover from the traumatic event. As she prepares to return to the stage, she's still coping with lingering pain from the accident. When Skye seeks out Vicodin from her former dealer, she witnesses a horrific suicide, only to discover that an evil entity has latched onto her. As Skye wrestles with control of her life, both from the addiction she thought she had conquered and the supernatural force now haunting her, she's pushed to her limits in ways she never imagined.

Returning to direct the sequel, Parker Finn has leveled up nearly every aspect above the original. While the first Smile stood out for its creative camera work, Smile 2 takes things even further. The film is visually captivating, employing various inventive camera angles--inverted, sideways, and drone shots. These stylistic choices create an unsettling atmosphere where reality feels just slightly off-kilter. One of the most striking decisions is the choice to use so many medium close-ups, predominantly focusing on Naomi Scott's face squarely in the center of the frame. I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that nearly 50% of the film's 2-hour runtime is shot using this centered, medium close-up. It forces the audience directly into Skye's headspace, pushing us to feel her dread and confusion up close. It's an intense acting challenge, but Naomi Scott rises to the occasion, delivering a vulnerable and commanding performance.

The film also impresses with its variety of set pieces and overall visual creativity. The tour dress rehearsals are beautifully produced with legit popstar production values and choreography. And my favorite scene involves a group of "smilers," for lack of a better term. The entire group of them stalk Skye in her penthouse, motionless at times until she turns to run away. This sequence, in particular, looks like it would have been a blast to shoot, as it balances eerie tension with a sort of twisted fun.

Of course, what would a horror movie be without some blood and gore? Smile 2 doesn't disappoint in that regard, delivering some genuinely gruesome moments that push the boundaries of what audiences might expect from a mainstream horror film. There are some excellent jumpscares and some effective fakeouts. Each scare feels earned, never cheap, making for a consistently unsettling experience.

I loved what the first Smile accomplished from a thematic standpoint, delving into how trauma, if left unaddressed, can become an all-consuming force that destroys lives, much like the entity in the film. It suggested that trauma doesn't just affect the individual—it can ripple outward, impacting relationships, mental health, and even one's professional life. The film also touched on the societal stigma surrounding mental illness, as Rose's increasing paranoia and desperation are dismissed by those around her, further isolating her in her struggle. 

I was pleased that a sequel didn't simply rehash the same thematic messages. I was very impressed with how Finn uses this same demonic entity to tackle a different underlying theme. Smile 2 thematically is an exploration of our need for control or agency. At the beginning of the film, Skye is already in a state of recovery from addiction, having lost control over her life following the DUI accident that claimed her boyfriend's life. Her dependency on substances, primarily Vicodin, is not just a coping mechanism for the physical pain of the accident but also a crutch for the emotional toll of her trauma. In her effort to reclaim agency, Skye has gotten sober, but that sense of control is fragile, easily shaken as the pressures of her new world tour begin to mount. This sense of control, or lack thereof, permeates every aspect of Skye's life. There is the control exerted by her mother, who is not only managing the tour but also exerting influence over Skye's decisions. Her mother's role in managing her career, particularly the high-stakes world tour, puts immense pressure on Skye to succeed. It's not just about maintaining her sobriety or personal well-being anymore; she's also beholden to the demands of the tour's financiers. The financial burden of recouping costs and the constant threat of being sued if she backs out of her commitments keep her on a tightrope, balancing personal healing and professional obligations.

Smile 2 does have a few missteps. While I loved the cold open, especially the inverted final shot before the title card, this sequence didn't feel meaningfully connected to any part of the rest of the film (unless perhaps I missed something.) Additionally, there is a pivotal moment toward the end of the film that feels like a pretty big letdown. One of the final kills happens entirely off-screen. It is an odd choice, given the film's penchant for not shying away from graphic and gruesome kills leading up to it. It feels like a missed opportunity to fully commit to the crescendo the film had so effectively built up until that point.

Despite these minor missteps, Smile 2 is an excellent horror sequel that improves on nearly every aspect. Parker Finn'sdirection is more assured and creative than ever, and the film's visual and thematic complexity elevates the viewing experience. The film asks a lot of Naomi Scott, singing, dancing, screaming, crying, and an incredible amount of facial acting. She admirably rises to the challenge, carrying the film on her shoulders. I think fans of the first film will undoubtedly enjoy Smile 2, as it takes everything that worked in the original and amplifies it, from the jump scares to the psychological horror to the blood and gore. Highly recommended.

— 4 / 5 ⭐