Smile 2″ Struggles to Carve Franchise Identity Despite Well-Made Sequel

Following the commercial triumph of 2022’s horror sensation “Smile,” expectations were high for its sequel, “Smile 2.” The original film, directed by Parker Finn, was intended for a streaming release but premiered theatrically after enthusiastic test screenings, grossing $217 million on a $17 million budget. It was celebrated for blending a supernatural curse theme with a narrative on trauma, albeit critics noted its overshadowing by inspirations like “The Ring” and “It Follows.”

“Smile 2” attempts to repurpose its storyline by transitioning from a psychiatrist haunted by a familial curse to a pop star battling her own demons. The central curse remains unchanged: a victim witnesses a person commit suicide while smiling, after which they are tormented by hallucinations until compelled to take their own life. Naomi Scott stars as Skye Riley, a pop singer dealing with her traumatic past and substance dependencies while being pursued by this malevolent force.

The film capitalizes on current cinematic trends focusing on the pressures faced by female celebrities. It creatively depicts Skye’s struggle to maintain a public façade amidst her breakdown, echoing themes from genre classics like “The Eyes of Laura Mars.” Despite a seemingly authentic depiction of celebrity life, which includes appearances by Drew Barrymore, the film does not escape criticism for its narrative predictability.

Critics have noted Parker Finn’s reliance on stylistic choices that, while flashy, fail to strike out from the overarching franchises it draws inspiration from. The film’s extensive 127-minute runtime is filled with relentless tension and visceral violence, borrowing elements from late 2000s horror subgenres. Despite its sophistication and depth, it occasionally blurs the line between serious themes and lighter horror elements, creating an uneven tone.

Naomi Scott’s performance as Skye Riley stands out, bringing intensity to the film’s exploration of fame and personal downfall. However, the final scenes of “Smile 2,” though engaging, suggest a decrease in novelty, leaving the film’s visual and narrative identity in question.

While “Smile 2” offers an engaging horror experience, its R-rated content—comprising strong violence, language, and drug use—might not appeal to all audiences, especially younger viewers. Nevertheless, its depiction of a pop star’s life spiraling out of control offers a nuanced exploration of celebrity and trauma, despite its adherence to some genre clichés.