Smile 2 Review: A Familiar Yet Unsettling Horror Sequel
Smile 2 delivers chilling scares but falters with repetitive plot beats. Naomi Scott shines as Skye Riley battling inner demons in this horror sequel.
Smile 2 Movie Review: A Sequel That Revisits Old Fears
The challenge with horror is knowing when to conceal and when to reveal. Unfortunately, Smile 2 seems to struggle with showing the same tricks again.
We wish we could tell you that Smile 2 brings a fresh take on horror, but no such luck. Naomi Scott steps into the spotlight as Skye Riley, a former rock star who’s on the verge of breaking down due to the relentless pressures of the entertainment industry. Adding to her struggles is the slow-growing demon within, but despite her strong performance, the storyline feels like a repeat of its predecessor.
Familiar Frights and Predictable Jumps
A continuation from Smile two years ago, the sequel offers the same menacing spirit that jumps from one body to another, causing a grotesque smile on its victims just before they die. While the premise had potential, the repetitive jumpscares and unclear lines between reality and illusion make the movie less effective. The film raises questions like why are so many characters wearing strange smiles, what’s real versus imagined, and why does the plot lean heavily on the same scare tactics? While the violence drives home the cruelty of the demon, it quickly feels overdone.
Skye’s Inner Struggles: A Glimmer of Hope
The film’s saving grace is Naomi Scott’s portrayal of Skye Riley. Surviving a traumatic crash that killed her boyfriend, Skye has spent the past year recovering from substance abuse, only to be pushed back into the limelight by her ambitious mother (played by DeWitt). With a tour ahead, Skye is juggling a whirlwind of media appearances, photo shoots, and interviews. The relentless pace of her public life leaves her little room to process her trauma, creating a powerful contrast between her inner fragility and the tough persona she projects.
Scott masterfully conveys Skye’s vulnerability, particularly through the visual symbolism in her wardrobe—chaotic cuts and flashy materials reflecting her mental state. Her apartment, too, is a reflection of her deteriorating mind, with dark jungle-themed wallpapers adding an extra layer of confusion and unease.
A Missed Opportunity for Innovation
Smile 2 had the potential to break new ground in the horror genre, especially with Scott’s compelling character, but it gets bogged down in familiar tropes. Writer-director Finn seems to struggle with when to hold back and when to reveal, often repeating the same beats and relying too heavily on graphic violence to elicit fear. By the time the film wraps, it’s clear that while the performances are strong, the story itself falls flat, leaving audiences craving something more original.
Also Read: Goodrich Movie Review: Michael Keaton’s Underwhelming Drama Misses the Mark