Smile 2 (2024): Does It Hit or Miss?

Smile 2 is one of the most anticipated horror sequels of 2024, directed by Parker Finn and starring Naomi Scott as the tormented pop star Skye Riley. As the movie builds on the success of its predecessor, critics and audiences alike have been eager to share their opinions. This post dives deep into those opinions, giving you a sense of whether Smile 2 hits or misses the mark. Let’s explore what the critics are saying and dissect whether Smile 2 delivers a terrifying sequel or falls short of expectations.

A Horror Sequel That Brings the Fear

If you’re looking for an intense and gory horror experience, Smile 2 delivers on that front, building on the formula of the first film but pushing the boundaries even further.

“Writer/director Parker Finn delivers a scarier and gorier SMILE sequel. The intensity doesn’t let up the entire run time, leaving you exhausted (in a good way) by the end.”
— Lupe Rodriguez Haas, CineMovie.tv

“Without a doubt is a must-see! Endless brutality and jaw-dropping moments that never ever let up! Naomi Scott’s performance is spectacular. Give me Smile 3 NOW!!”
— Nagier Chambers, Big Gold Belt Media

These critics are praising Smile 2 for its ability to keep audiences on edge throughout the entire runtime. From the brutal, jaw-dropping moments to the relentless intensity, Smile 2 offers everything horror fans could want, leaving them both scared and thrilled.

Does Bigger Mean Better?

While some appreciate the larger scale of Smile 2, others feel that the sequel falls into the trap of overstuffing its plot and scares, losing the tight pacing that made the original so chilling.

“Ups the ante in terms of size and scares with diminishing returns, especially since it’s telling essentially the same story as the original. Smile was compact, tidy, and chilling; Smile 2 is overstuffed, garish, and in the end rather silly.”
— Frank Swietek, One Guy’s Opinion

“It may have the makings of a cult film, but Smile 2 leaves one with the nagging sense that you need to rewatch the original just to confirm this is a sequel.”
— Thom Ernst, Original Cin

These critiques point to a feeling that Smile 2 tries to do too much, sacrificing the compact and effective horror storytelling of the first movie for something more bloated and less satisfying. Despite the larger set pieces and heightened scares, some feel the sequel doesn’t capture the same magic.

Naomi Scott Steals the Show

While opinions on the movie itself may vary, one thing critics consistently agree on is the strength of Naomi Scott’s performance. Playing a pop star who is mentally and physically tormented by a supernatural curse, Scott brings a depth to her character that anchors the film amidst the chaos.

“Naomi Scott’s outstanding performance drives Smile 2, a well-executed horror sequel that delivers thrilling jump scares, artistic camera work, and plenty of moments to dissect after the credits roll!”
— Jason Escamilla, EskimoTV

“A tour de force for Naomi Scott, who gives a compelling and modern version of a Hitchcock Blonde. Writer/Director Parker Finn is equally impressive with his work behind the camera. Also, the use of ‘celebrity’ really elevates the film and makes it feel fresh.”
— Grace Randolph, Beyond the Trailer

Her performance has been praised for adding complexity and authenticity to a character pushed to her psychological limits. Whether Skye is enduring hallucinations or fighting off the curse that threatens to consume her, Scott’s portrayal makes the horror all the more believable and terrifying.

The Use of Fame and Trauma as Horror Themes

One of the standout aspects of Smile 2 is how it uses the theme of fame to elevate the horror. As Skye Riley grapples with the pressures of stardom, the curse becomes a metaphor for the isolating and damaging effects of fame, making the horror feel personal and unsettling.

“Disorienting, compelling, and often mean-spirited, Smile 2 is the kind of flick that will have genre aficionados grinning from ear to ear and everyone else trying to hide behind their popcorn.”
— Anthony O’Connor, FILMINK (Australia)

“Smile 2 isn’t as scary as the original, but it works as a nasty portrait of the downside of music-biz fame, and it builds to an ending deserving of every crooked smile it earns.”
— A.A. Dowd, IGN Movies

The film explores how Skye’s public persona contrasts with the inner torment she faces, making her a target for the supernatural curse. The result is a compelling and layered horror experience that resonates with anyone familiar with the darker side of fame.

What the Critics Loved—and What Fell Short

Though Smile 2 has received its share of glowing reviews, some critics felt that the film didn’t live up to the expectations set by the original. Common criticisms include its over-reliance on the formula established in Smile and a failure to push the horror in new directions.

“Just watch The Substance instead.”
— Avi Offer, NYC Movie Guru

“Whenever Scott threatens to work the movie up into a proper frenzy, Finn stops her dead in her tracks, convinced that by dwelling on the vague idea of trauma, he’ll find something more to say about it.”
— Jesse Hassenger, Paste Magazine

On the other hand, some believe the familiarity works in the film’s favor.

“No matter how repetitive and familiar the sequel is when placed next to the first entry, it’s consistently scary and frequently disturbing.”
— Brian Eggert, Deep Focus Review

Ultimately, whether or not you enjoy Smile 2 depends on how much you liked the first film and whether you’re interested in seeing the story play out on a larger, more intense scale.

Links Available on What’s After the Movie

At What’s After the Movie, we offer a range of resources and links related to Smile 2. Whether you want to read reviews from other major sites or explore the movie in more depth, our website provides all the information you need:

• JustWatch
• Metacritic
• Rotten Tomatoes
• TMDB
• IMDB
• Media Stinger
• Wikipedia
• Just Watch
• Box Office Mojo

These links give you access to everything from movie details to box office results and reviews, making What’s After the Movie your go-to destination for in-depth insights into Smile 2 and other films.

Conclusion: Is Smile 2 Worth Watching?

Smile 2 may not be for everyone, but for fans of intense, gore-filled horror, it’s a thrilling continuation of the original film. Naomi Scott’s standout performance and the film’s exploration of fame and trauma give it a unique edge, even if some elements feel familiar. Whether you find it terrifying or overstuffed, Smile 2 is sure to leave an impression, making it a must-see for horror enthusiasts.

Check out more on What’s After the Movie, where you can find quizzes, summaries, and links to other reviews to help you dive deeper into the terrifying world of Smile 2.