'Smile 2' Movie Review: A Relentlessly Thrilling Horror Sequel
- Details
- Category: New Series and Movie Reviews
- Published: Wednesday, 16 October 2024 15:48
- Written by Lupe R Haas
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.
SMILE 2 picks up with the remaining survivor (Kyle Gallner) from the 2022 movie. We then meet pop star Skye Riley (Naomi Scott), a talented but fragile celebrity with a guilty conscience. After witnessing a suicide, Skye becomes unraveled as a new victim.
Parker manages to outdo himself with a more unsettling movie with a different energy than the first film. A pop star under extreme pressure and demands is an ideal horror victim. The relentless intensity until the very end consumes your energy, leaving the audience feeling subjected to Skye’s malaise.
My main complaint about the original was that it was not as scary except for the unique score which was the standout but Parker remedies that with a much more terrifying and gorier follow-up. The creepy factor is intensified as well.
A new score, even more eerie than the original 2022 soundtrack, adds to the intensity. Composer Cristobal Tapia de Veer returns with an all new creepy and unsettling tracks.
The catchy pop songs provide a contrast and relief from the onslaught of the spine-chilling soundtrack. Scott exudes pop star vibes which is no surprise for the multi-talented actor, dancer, and singer. Naomi Scott tells CineMovie she composed one of Skye’s songs.
Naomi Scott brings a kinetic energy to Skye’s unraveling persona. From the very start, Scott relays an emotional trauma through Skye’s emotive eyes. How the actress managed to keep that intensity is a feat in itself. While she’s a deeply flawed person, you never stop caring for the character.
SMILE was a refreshing take on the horror genre because of the absence of a boogeyman. Finn plays with reality versus imagined with a stand-out score. The sequel feels unique with far more cringier moments specifically because the victim is a public persona. The world is watching Skye come apart which creates a higher stake.
SMILE 2 is an even more exhaustive experience than the original. Once the credits roll, you’ll be feeling a sigh of relief, decompress and discuss with your fellow movie-goers.
SMILE 2 is in movie theaters on Friday, October 18.