29/50
Skye Riley: [smiles at subject] Out of control, me!
Scenario
As global pop sensation Skye Riley embarks on a world tour, she begins to experience increasingly terrifying and unexplainable events. Overwhelmed by the growing horror and pressure of fame, Skye is forced to confront her past. Kyle Gallner is the only actor to reprise his role from the first film thus far.
Submitted by Project 7PM: 2024 October 17 series (2024)
Smile 2 takes the foundation of its predecessor and runs with it, offering a premise that offers endless possibilities. The filmmakers made a unique choice in focusing the story on a pop star’s descent into madness, putting a new spin on psychological horror. This creative solution keeps the narrative engaging, especially when the lead actor gives a great performance, completely capturing the character’s thoughts on screen.
Visually, the film is excellent
It is beautifully shot, with a stunning opening sequence that immediately sets an unsettling tone, a mood that continues throughout the film. The tension never lets up, keeping you on edge from start to finish. Charming is another standout, and certainly an early standout, ensuring that these moments are as gripping and unsettling as the story needs them to be.
However, the supporting cast doesn’t contribute much to the overall narrative
In fact, a late addition to the story introduces an eye-rolling bit of exposition that feels unnecessary and distracts terribly from the insanity that has been steadily building throughout the film. This change diminishes the psychological intensity that the film has worked so hard to achieve. While the supporting characters may be memorable, the film still manages to maintain the tension thanks to a strong lead and stunning visuals.