On Oct.18, 2024, the sequel to Smile gripped cinemas across the nation, grossing over $23 million and topping the box office charts.

For two years, audiences escaped the nightmarish grins that director Parker Finn seared into their minds. But Smile 2 is back with more scares, larger set pieces and a haunting pop soundtrack that is sure to immerse audiences into the film’s psychological labyrinth.

Smile 2 follows the world tour return of popstar Skye Riley, played by the incredibly talented Naomi Scott. From the opening sequence, the film establishes itself as a grittier film than its predecessor. Smile 2 is focused on upping the stakes and the amount of terrifying smiles, distinguishing itself as detached from previous narratives.

In fact, Smile 2 is only connected to Smile in concept. It finds itself relying less on the first film and is more influenced by the most iconic psychological horror film of all time: Stanley Kubricks, The Shining. The score, and even Jack Nicholson’s son, Ray Nicholson, pays homage to the classic horror in a modern way, providing audiences a familiar yet innovative feeling of unease.

Still, despite the critical and cultural acclaim of the first film, there was a general understanding that Paramount Pictures aimed to keep mainstream audiences. Smile was rooted as a commentary on generational trauma and mental illness, but surface-level themes and creative cinematography aside, there was an inescapable corporate texture to the film.

The sequel certainly continues in this trend: a conceptually intriguing movie that lacks authentically disturbing horror. Product placement also plagues the film to the point where the film should have been renamed, “Smile H20: Sponsored by Voss Bottled Water.” 

All that said, the final act of Smile 2 takes incredible risks that elevate the film beyond its predecessor. It is not a uniquely or visually disturbing slasher film, nor did Parker Finn intend it to be.

Smile 2 is driven by a simple yet fascinating premise that provides commentary on the relationship between audience and performer. Audience members instinctually whispered, “Did that really just happen?”, and this is exactly how cinema should be experienced.

The movie theater experience is crucial to watching this film as it certainly feels like a cultural moment. As the breakdown of reality ensues, audiences are forced to question the reliability of any moment, and aided by Naomi Scott’s powerful performance, it is challenging to guess the film’s resolution.

The films horrifying ending left audiences speechless, and in an age of certifiably predictable horror films, Smile 2 is both an engaging sequel and a breath of fresh air.

Smile 2 is now playing in theaters.

Photo courtesy if Smile Wiki Fandom