Smile 2 (2024) Review: Does the Sequel Live Up to the Hype?

Smile 2 (2024), directed by Parker Finn and starring Naomi Scott, continues the terrifying story that began with the 2022 sleeper hit, Smile. The original movie left audiences both scared and intrigued, and with a sequel that promises to dive deeper into psychological horror, Smile 2 has the difficult task of living up to the expectations set by its predecessor. At What’s After the Movie, we aim to break down everything you need to know about Smile 2, from its plot and performances to its themes and critical reception. Our detailed review will help you understand how the film fits into the larger horror landscape and whether it manages to terrify audiences just as effectively as the original.

If you’re interested in learning even more about Smile 2, be sure to visit our dedicated movie page, where you’ll find details such as the movie summary, quizzes, links to other movie providers, and more! What’s After the Movie is your go-to destination for movie reviews, trivia, and insights, so whether you’re a horror fan or just looking for something to watch, we’ve got you covered.

Plot Overview: A Dark Descent into Fame’s Nightmarish Side

The plot of Smile 2 picks up shortly after the events of the first movie, where we saw the curse of the sinister smiling entity claim its latest victim. In Smile 2, the focus shifts to Skye Riley (Naomi Scott), a global pop sensation on the verge of embarking on a massive world tour. However, as the pressures of fame mount, Skye begins to experience a series of terrifying, unexplained events. Haunted by the smile that claimed victims in the previous film, she must confront both the supernatural force and her dark past. The horrors she faces are not just external but also rooted in her own psyche, as Skye is forced to navigate the devastating impact that fame has had on her mental health.

The plot of Smile 2 is structured around Skye’s gradual unraveling as the boundaries between reality and hallucination blur. While the first movie centered on a psychiatrist trying to solve the mystery of the smiling entity, Smile 2 takes a different approach by focusing on a character who is deeply entrenched in the world of celebrity. This shift in perspective adds new layers to the horror, as the film explores the idea that fame can be as terrifying as any supernatural force. The smiling curse represents not only a literal threat but also a metaphor for the pressures that come with being in the public eye.

From its opening sequence, where we see Skye preparing for her tour amidst a series of unsettling occurrences, to the film’s climactic showdown, the plot keeps viewers on edge. The movie plays with themes of isolation, anxiety, and the toll that fame takes on individuals, all while delivering the jump scares and tension that fans of the original Smile expect. If you’re curious about how Smile 2 handles its complex narrative, head over to our movie page for a more in-depth summary and analysis.

Thematic Exploration: Fame, Trauma, and the Smiling Curse

One of the most compelling aspects of Smile 2 is its exploration of fame as a source of psychological trauma. Skye Riley’s life as a global pop star is glamorous on the surface, but beneath the glitter and fame lies a deep well of personal pain. The smiling entity that haunts her serves as a manifestation of the emotional toll that her celebrity status has taken. In this way, Smile 2 uses horror to comment on the darker side of fame, drawing parallels between the supernatural curse and the real-world pressures that many celebrities face.

At its core, Smile 2 is a film about identity and isolation. Skye’s public persona is carefully curated, but as the events of the movie unfold, we see how fragile that image really is. The smiling curse acts as a catalyst for her breakdown, forcing her to confront the unresolved trauma that she has been avoiding. The film touches on issues such as mental health, addiction, and the loss of self, all of which are exacerbated by the pressures of being in the spotlight. This thematic depth sets Smile 2 apart from many other horror films, making it a more thoughtful and reflective entry in the genre.

The movie also explores the idea that fame can be both a blessing and a curse. Skye is adored by millions, but she is also constantly under scrutiny. The smiling entity in Smile 2 mirrors the invasive nature of the media and the public’s obsession with celebrities. Just as the entity forces its victims to smile against their will, Skye is expected to maintain a happy and composed exterior, even as her world falls apart. This exploration of the darker aspects of fame adds a layer of psychological horror to the film, making it not only scary but also thought-provoking. For more discussions on these themes, check out our blog post on Smile 2 on the What’s After the Movie Blog.

Performances: Naomi Scott’s Captivating Star Turn

The heart of Smile 2 lies in Naomi Scott’s riveting performance as Skye Riley. Scott, best known for her roles in Aladdin and Charlie’s Angels, delivers a deeply emotional and intense portrayal of a woman unraveling under the weight of supernatural and personal demons. Her character is complex, and Scott brings both vulnerability and strength to the role, making Skye one of the most compelling horror protagonists in recent memory. Throughout the film, Scott portrays Skye’s descent into madness with a rawness that feels authentic and relatable.

What makes Scott’s performance so captivating is the way she balances the external horrors with Skye’s internal struggles. As the smiling entity tightens its grip on her, Skye’s mental state deteriorates, and Scott captures this unraveling with incredible nuance. Her performance is not just about reacting to jump scares or delivering screams; it’s about showing the psychological toll that the entity takes on her character. Whether she’s grappling with the pressures of fame or confronting her darkest fears, Scott ensures that Skye remains a sympathetic and relatable character, even in the most terrifying moments.

In addition to Scott, the supporting cast also delivers strong performances. Rosemarie DeWitt plays Skye’s mother, Elizabeth Riley, a manager who is more concerned with Skye’s career than her well-being. Kyle Gallner reprises his role as Joel, the cop from the first film, adding continuity to the story. Lukas Gage as Lewis Fregoli and Raúl Castillo as Darius Bravo round out the cast with performances that add depth to the film’s exploration of trauma and fame. The dynamic between these characters and Skye creates tension that enhances the overall horror experience. For a full breakdown of the cast and their roles, visit What’s After the Movie.

Visual and Cinematic Elements: A Masterclass in Tension

Visually, Smile 2 is a stunning achievement in modern horror. Director Parker Finn and cinematographer Charlie Sarroff return to deliver a movie that is as visually arresting as it is terrifying. The film’s use of camera angles, lighting, and special effects creates an atmosphere of constant unease. Sarroff employs a variety of disorienting camera techniques to keep the audience on edge, including upside-down shots, wide-angle lenses, and mirror reflections that distort the characters’ perceptions of reality.

One of the standout visual sequences occurs when Skye begins hallucinating during a rehearsal for her tour. The dancers around her start to contort their bodies into grotesque smiles, and as Skye tries to regain her composure, the camera slowly zooms in, heightening the tension. The combination of distorted choreography and unsettling close-ups makes this scene one of the most memorable in the film. Finn’s ability to play with visual motifs—such as the recurring image of the unsettling smile—elevates Smile 2 beyond standard horror fare.

The special effects team also deserves praise for their work on the film. The smiling entity is brought to life with a mix of practical effects and CGI, and the result is both horrifying and believable. The entity’s ability to warp reality allows for some truly disturbing visual set-pieces, including one where Skye sees her backup dancers slowly transform into monstrous versions of themselves. The use of lighting and sound design further amplifies the terror, with flickering lights and eerie soundscapes creating a sense of dread that permeates every scene.

For those who appreciate well-crafted horror films, Smile 2 is a visual treat. The cinematography and special effects work together to create a world where reality and nightmare blur, making it impossible for both Skye and the audience to distinguish between the two. If you want to explore the visual elements in greater detail, head over to our movie page on What’s After the Movie for more behind-the-scenes insights.

Critical Reception: Dividing the Horror Community

Critically, Smile 2 has sparked a range of opinions, with some praising its bold approach to psychological horror and

others feeling that it falls short of the original. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 79% fresh rating, with critics highlighting Naomi Scott’s performance and Parker Finn’s direction as key strengths. However, some have noted that the movie’s reliance on jump scares and its somewhat convoluted plot prevent it from reaching the same heights as its predecessor.

Owen Gleiberman from Variety wrote, “The movie is hardly subtle, yet Parker Finn has become a clever enough filmmaker to make reality feel like a hallucination and hallucinations feel like reality.” This sentiment echoes many critics’ views that Smile 2 excels in creating a disorienting, nightmarish atmosphere. However, others, like Tim Grierson from Screen International, felt that the movie’s plot twists were “implausible” and detracted from the overall terror, saying, “Smile 2 has its audacious moments but elicits neither terror nor smiles but, rather, shrugs.”

On Metacritic, Smile 2 has a score of 65/100 based on 19 reviews. This indicates a more mixed response, with some critics appreciating the film’s ambition while others found it lacking in genuine scares. William Bibbiani from TheWrap summed it up well when he said, “Smile 2 doesn’t go from 0 to 60, it goes from 60 to 100.” This speaks to the film’s tendency to escalate quickly, sometimes at the expense of building sustained tension.

Despite the mixed reviews, one thing that most critics agree on is that Smile 2 continues to push the boundaries of the horror genre by incorporating themes of fame, mental health, and trauma. The film may not be for everyone, but for fans of psychological horror, it offers plenty to dissect. For a full list of critical reviews, head over to our Smile 2 page and see how the movie stacks up.

What’s After the Movie: Dive Deeper into Smile 2

At What’s After the Movie, we provide much more than just reviews. Our movie page for Smile 2 includes a wealth of information that horror fans won’t want to miss. From quizzes to test your knowledge of the film to detailed actor profiles and links to other movie sites like JustWatch, our site is your one-stop destination for all things related to Smile 2.

If you’re looking for even more insights, we link directly to popular movie review sites such as Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic, IMDB, and Box Office Mojo. Whether you’re curious about the movie’s box office performance or want to see how it compares to other horror films, What’s After the Movie has you covered.

In addition to movie summaries and actor information, our site also offers exclusive movie quizzes that let you test your knowledge of the film’s plot, themes, and characters. For example, can you remember the names of all the characters haunted by the smiling entity? Or how about the specific visual motifs that director Parker Finn uses to create tension? Head to our quizzes section to find out and challenge your friends to see who knows Smile 2 best.

Conclusion: Does Smile 2 Deliver?

In the end, Smile 2 is a solid follow-up to its predecessor, even if it doesn’t quite match the original in terms of sheer terror. Naomi Scott’s performance as Skye Riley is a standout, and the film’s exploration of fame, trauma, and supernatural horror adds layers of depth to the story. While some critics have pointed out the film’s over-reliance on jump scares and convoluted plot twists, Smile 2 still manages to deliver enough psychological tension and visual spectacle to satisfy most horror fans.

If you’re looking for a horror movie that dives deep into the darker aspects of fame while still delivering plenty of scares, then Smile 2 is worth checking out. Be sure to visit our movie page on What’s After the Movie for more in-depth analysis, quizzes, and discussions about the film. Whether you’re a fan of the original or just curious about the sequel, our site has everything you need to stay informed about this chilling horror experience.