Rated: MA15+
My Rating: 8.5/10
Smile 2 is not only a captivating sequel but a significant
leap forward in the horror genre, one that surpasses its predecessor in almost
every way. Naomi Scott’s fantastic performance, the film's exceptional
cinematography, and the increased budget all contribute to making Smile 2 one
of the most unsettling and rewarding horror films of recent memory. It’s a rare
treat when a sequel not only lives up to expectations but exceeds them. And
Smile 2 does just that, giving us a spine-chilling, edge-of-your-seat
experience that leaves an indelible mark on the viewer long after the credits
roll.
Naomi Scott, who is best known for her roles in romantic
comedies and Disney films, steps into an entirely new territory here, and her
performance is nothing short of brilliant. Typically, Scott is associated with light-hearted
fare, from Aladdin to Charlie’s Angels, but in Smile 2, she shows a side of
herself that we have not yet seen—one that is intense, layered, and deeply
compelling. This shift in her career is an absolute triumph, as she brings a
new level of depth and complexity to her role. The film takes full advantage of
her talent, placing her in a position where she can stretch her acting chops
and display a range of emotions and vulnerability rarely showcased in her past
roles.
This darker, more serious role suits Scott incredibly well.
There’s a rawness to her portrayal that feels authentic, especially in scenes
where her character's psychological breakdown is both gripping and believable.
Her character is caught in a situation far more harrowing than anything we’ve
seen her in before, and Scott’s performance is a crucial part of what makes
Smile 2 such a standout. There’s a palpable tension in every frame she
occupies, and her subtle facial expressions and body language speak volumes.
Scott holds the audience’s attention in a way that is both captivating and
unsettling, drawing you into her character’s internal turmoil.
One of the most notable aspects of Smile 2 is its
cinematography. This film is a visual feast, showcasing an increased budget
that’s evident in every shot. The studio clearly poured more resources into
this sequel, and it’s reflected in the high production values. The choice of
lighting, camera angles, and shot composition heightens the film’s eerie
atmosphere. The camera lingers on faces, often focusing on small
details—twitching fingers, nervous glances, or sweat beading on the
forehead—creating a sense of unease that’s hard to shake. These deliberate
choices elevate the film beyond a typical horror sequel, giving it a level of
artistry and sophistication that feels fresh and exciting.
Where Smile 2 truly excels is in its ability to make the
audience feel genuinely uncomfortable. It’s rare that a film manages to achieve
this level of emotional discomfort but Smile 2 succeeds in doing so from the
very beginning. There’s an ever-present sense of dread, even in moments of
calm. This is a film that knows how to play with tension and anticipation,
slowly building an atmosphere of terror that never quite lets up. The score,
which is haunting and minimalist, perfectly complements this sense of impending
doom.
But it’s not just the slow burn that makes Smile 2 so
unsettling—it’s the relentless barrage of jump scares. And let me tell you,
this film does not shy away from them. Every single jump scare in Smile 2 got
me. I can’t remember the last time a movie so effectively made me jump out of
my seat. The timing is flawless, and the tension is so palpable that when the
scares do come, they hit with a sudden force that catches you off guard. The
film toys with your expectations, leading you to believe that everything is
calm only to shatter that illusion with a terrifying twist.
What’s fascinating about Smile 2 is how it manages to do
this without feeling cheap or gimmicky. These scares are earned, not just the
result of sudden loud noises or cheap tricks. They come from the story
itself—the growing sense of dread and the psychological terror that permeates
the film. The horror here is not just in the grotesque or the supernatural, but
in the internal unravelling of the characters. It’s a layered, psychological
horror film that makes you question what’s real and what’s imagined, all while
keeping you on edge with visceral scares that will haunt you long after the
movie ends.
As someone who has seen many horror films, it’s been a long
time since I’ve felt this uncomfortable and unsettled during a screening. Smile
2 is not a film you watch casually—it’s a film that demands your full
attention, and it stays with you long after you leave the theatre. In fact, I
found myself torn between wanting to leave the theatre and wanting to know what
happens next. There’s a strange, almost masochistic desire to push through the
discomfort, to find out how far this story will go, while simultaneously
wanting to escape the oppressive atmosphere the film creates. I can’t remember
the last time a movie made me feel this way, and I think that speaks volumes
about how effective it is in its execution.
It’s not common for a movie sequel to be better than its
original, but I truly believe that Smile 2 is a superior film to its
predecessor. While the first Smile was a solid horror film with a unique
concept, Smile 2 takes that concept and builds upon it in ways that feel both
unexpected and rewarding. It’s clear that the filmmakers learned from the first
film’s strengths and weaknesses and have crafted a sequel that feels more
refined, more confident, and more terrifying. The pacing is tighter, the performances
are stronger, and the overall atmosphere is more oppressive.
One of the film’s most impressive aspects is its ability to
push boundaries. Smile 2 isn’t afraid to explore dark, disturbing themes, and
it doesn’t shy away from confronting uncomfortable truths. The psychological
depth of the characters is a significant improvement over the first film, and
the way the narrative builds on the original’s themes while introducing new,
even darker elements makes this sequel stand out. It’s a horror film that’s
smart, innovative, and deeply unsettling.
Of course, it’s important to acknowledge that no film is
without its flaws. While Smile 2 is an incredibly strong film, there are a few
moments where the pacing falters. Some scenes feel a bit drawn out, and there
are occasional dips in the tension that threaten to pull you out of the
experience. However, these moments are few and far between, and they don’t
detract from the overall impact of the film. The fact that the film can
maintain such a high level of suspense and fear for most of its runtime is a testament
to the filmmakers’ skill and vision.
In conclusion, Smile 2 is a rare sequel that improves upon
its predecessor in nearly every way. Naomi Scott’s transformative performance,
combined with stunning cinematography and a heightened budget, makes this film
a standout in the horror genre. The relentless jump scares, coupled with a
psychological depth that lingers long after the film ends, make Smile 2 a truly
unsettling experience—one that I won’t soon forget. If you’re looking for a
horror film that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you feeling
genuinely uncomfortable, Smile 2 is the film to see.
For its exceptional performance, nerve-wracking scares, and
impressive storytelling, I’m giving Smile 2 a well-deserved 8.5/10. It’s a film
that redefines what a horror sequel can be and proves that sometimes; a
follow-up can be better than the original.
All images and videos are owned by Paramount Pictures.
In Theatres October 17th 2024