Smile 2 - REVIEW
"Smile 2 keeps you grinning with terror, even though the array of twists will leave you spinning!"
Smile 2 builds on the unsettling atmosphere of its predecessor, delivering some truly effective jump scares and gory moments, though its narrative struggles to match the originalâs tight, emotional arc. Directed by Parker Finn, this sequel centers on Skye Riley (Naomi Scott), a pop star preparing for a major tour while battling inner demonsâboth literal and figurative. Scott gives a standout performance, conveying both the fragility and fierceness of a woman slowly unraveling under the curse of the Smile Entity. Her portrayal is a driving force, making Skye sympathetic even as her world spirals into chaos.
The film offers plenty of tension, with Skye encountering eerie smiling figures and suffering terrifying hallucinations that mirror the psychological horror of the first Smile. However, where the original succeeded in grounding its protagonistâs trauma through relatable connections, Skyeâs loneliness as a pop star leaves the emotional core feeling thinner. Her fame and isolation make her sympathetic, but they also create a distance that can make the character harder to fully connect with. The deconstruction of Skye throughout the film is compelling, but not as engaging as the personal journey in the first movie.
Smile 2 shines when it leans into its horror elements. The jump scares are well-timed, and the film doesnât shy away from its gruesome momentsâlike Skye's mother smashing her face with a shard of mirror or the climactic scene where Skye fatally stabs herself on stage. The use of practical effects, especially in the Smile Entity's grotesque final form, heightens the terror, while the filmâs pacing keeps the tension ramped up throughout. The scenes where Skye's reality blends with hallucinations add a layer of unpredictability, leaving the audience guessing whatâs real and whatâs not.
However, the film gets bogged down by its many twists. The non-stop barrage of hallucinations and revelations becomes overwhelming, and at times the narrative loses its focus. While Skyeâs descent into madness is captivating, the film relies too heavily on trying to outdo itself with each twist, which can leave viewers feeling disoriented. By the time the final act rolls around, the constant misdirections and false realities start to feel excessive, diluting the impact of the more shocking moments.
Despite these drawbacks, Smile 2 is still an entertaining and chilling horror film. It explores the pressures of fame and the fragility of mental health in a creative, albeit chaotic, way. The film's conclusionâset during a nightmarish concert at Madison Square Gardenâbrings everything to a blood-soaked finale, with the Smile Entity finally revealing its monstrous true form and overtaking Skye in front of thousands of horrified fans.
While it may not quite reach the heights of the original, Smile 2 delivers enough scares, gore, and suspense to satisfy horror fans, especially with Naomi Scottâs excellent lead performance anchoring the chaos.
Final Score: 7/10

















