‘Smile 2’ – A sublime sequel

With a few unnerving grins and some jump scares, the original Smile made quite the impact in 2022. The story of a cursed entity tormenting its hosts to their breaking point continues in Smile 2 with an all-new victim. Set less than a week after the events of the first film, the terror transfers its way to Naomi Scott’s Skye Riley, a pop star with hundreds and thousands of fans, who has never felt more alone.

As with the first film, Smile 2 features a protagonist who by all accounts is living their best life, but carries a dark past. Like a moth to a flame, the being that preys on mental instability manipulates their fears and guilt over their trauma. She starts to see devilish smiling faces and horrific images that create some substantial jump scares.

Skye also has to contend with talk show interviews, charity events, and all the obligations that come with being a star. The film shows the gruelling nature of performing, with intense rehearsals, uncomfortably devoted fans, and a mother-turned-manager that would make Kris Jenner blush.

Even before the horror starts the film brings humanity to Skye as she continuously tries to tell the people around her what she’s going through, only to be met with patronising smiles and condescending tones. As she becomes the victim of a haunt, those same smiles go from frustratingly fake, to outright torture. To maintain the illusion of perfection Skye must put on the same happy face that haunts her every day.

The visuals in the film are a stark notch above those of its predecessor. The mind-bending antics of the villainous entity are brought to another level with an innovative presentation of terrifying images. The film always has you on edge, questioning reality, and constantly throwing you for a loop.

As the story twists and turns, the anchor is Naomi Scott. Her performance deserves applause, as a young woman who is having a monumentally terrible week, yet forced to present as otherwise to keep up appearances. At a certain point, the film starts to feel hopeless, but never repetitive. Watching the story unfold is intriguing, winding up towards a devastating final act.

Rating: Big Screen Watch

Damian Levy is a film critic and podcaster for Damian Michael Movies.