Smile 2: A Twisted, Fun Sequel That Outshines the Original

A Supernatural Force Haunts with Eerie Smiles, is Back in ‘Smile 2’

It’s Halloween month, and horror fans are on the lookout for the next big scare.

Produced by Paramount Pictures, “Smile 2” is the only major supernatural horror from Hollywood hitting theatres currently, so the pressure’s on to scare.

And if you’re wondering whether it tops the first film – well, let’s just say fans of 2022’s “Smile” are in for a treat.

A Refreshed Take on the Original

If you missed the original (or need a refresher), here’s the gist: a supernatural force latches onto its victims, haunting them with eerie, unsettling smiles. The curse drives them to madness before forcing them to die by suicide. The catch? Someone has to witness it for the curse to spread.

It’s a unique premise, and while the first film got audiences talking, it didn’t leave everyone raving. But if you were into it back then, you’re going to like this one even more.

Director Parker Finn Delivers a Masterpiece

In “Smile 2,” director Parker Finn has outdone himself. While the first film was a solid debut, this one feels like what he was trying to make all along – but now with the budget to do it right.

A World of Tension and Fear

Audiences are introduced to Skye Riley (Naomi Scott), a pop star trying to stage a comeback after a year out of the spotlight.

A car accident had taken her boyfriend’s life, left her injured, and threw her into a battle with addiction. Now clean, she’s preparing for her big return with a concert – until the curse finds her.

Naomi Scott’s performance as pop star Skye Riley is hauntingly captivating. (Paramount Pictures pic)

As seen in the trailer, Riley’s life takes a disturbing turn when she visits Lewis, a drug-dealing acquaintance (played by Lukas Gage).

Unbeknownst to her, he’s already cursed (through events revealed in the film’s opening scenes) and gruesomely bashes his own face right before her eyes. What follows is a downward spiral of horrific visions and Skye’s slow unravelling as the entity takes hold of her mind.

The Perfect Performance

Scott’s performance in this film is truly sensational. If you only know her as Princess Jasmine from “Aladdin” (2019), get ready for a shock. She flawlessly portrays a woman on the edge, haunted by trauma, fame, and an entity that thrives on her fear. Her portrayal makes the curse feel personal, like it’s a manifestation of her inner demons.

A Horror Experience Like No Other

The scares are effective, and Finn knows how to play with audience expectations. Hallucinations blur the line between reality and madness, and Finn expertly fakes you out with sequences that feel real – until they’re not. The jump scares aren’t cheap, and even classic setups like mirror scares are executed in fresh, unpredictable ways.

While the sequel ‘Smile 2’ stays true to the original premise, it ramps up the scares. (Paramount Pictures pic)

A Stain-Red Signature on the Screen

The film’s standout moment? A scene where Skye envisions her backup dancers grinning and advancing on her like a flash-mob from hell. It’s creepy, unsettling, and easily one of the most memorable scares in the film.

A Warning: Not for the Faint of Heart

And, warning: this film is not for the squeamish. While the gore isn’t over-the-top like “Evil Dead,” it’s still enough to make you wince. A fist shoved down someone’s throat? That scene alone might have you reconsidering your snack choices.

Conclusion

In the end, “Smile 2” surpasses its predecessor. It’s bigger, scarier, and manages to deliver fresh twists in the supernatural horror genre. If you’re a fan of psychological horror, this one’s a must-watch – but maybe not if you’ve just eaten.

Frequently Asked Questions

* Q: What is the story about?
A: The sequel to “Smile,” “Smile 2” follows a pop star named Skye Riley as she tries to navigate her return to the stage, only to discover she’s been cursed by a supernatural force.
* Q: Is the film suitable for all audiences?
A: No, the film is not suitable for the faint of heart, as it contains gore and disturbing scenes.
* Q: Does the film have a clear explanation behind the curse?
A: No, the origin of the curse is left vague, which might frustrate some viewers.

As of press time, ‘Smile 2’ is screening in cinemas nationwide.