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Smile 2: A Creepy Continuation with a Shaky Finish

I went into the first Smile movie thinking I was in for a quick, predictable “one-and-done” horror flick in the style of Truth or Dare or It Follows. I expected slim plotlines, B-list vibes, and a forgettable experience. But Smile actually managed to deliver depth and genuine creep factor, and when I heard there’d be a Smile 2, I immediately thought, Here we go—they’re going to milk this dry. Turns out I was wrong—Smile 2 was solid, continuing just six days after the events of the first film and taking an impressive dive into the dark, manipulative nature of the Smile demon. That level of respect for continuity and commitment to the psychological angle actually had me cautiously optimistic for Smile 2. 

Image by Rotten Tomatoes

Solid Lore and a Deeper Character Dive

Smile 2 builds well on the groundwork set up by the previous film, especially when it comes to understanding the Smile demon. In Smile 2, we really get to see the mind games and subtle manipulations it uses to take over its hosts, which added an interesting psychological angle. We also get more small hints of its lore and history, making it a bit more than just a “spooky” entity but something with a legacy that could span generations. In a genre where “sequels” often just crank up the gore and abandon the story, it was nice to see Smile 2 respecting its roots.

Image by Variety

Naomi Scott’s Powerful Performance

One of the best parts of Smile 2 is Naomi Scott’s performance. She gives everything in this role, and it shows. Her portrayal of a character mentally unraveling under the demon’s influence is intense and gripping, with moments where her fear feels painfully real. Scott’s acting holds the movie together, and it’s a huge reason why the story works as well as it does. Her expressions alone bring out the character’s inner turmoil, adding layers that lesser horror films often lack.

Image by The Gate

An Ending that Falls Short

Not everything in Smile 2 is a hit, though. The final 15 minutes or so feel disconnected from the rest of the film. The special effects go a bit too far, feeling out of place in a movie that’s succeeded mainly on psychological horror rather than visual shock. It’s as if the filmmakers couldn’t resist going for a big, Hollywood-style climax when a more subtle approach would’ve suited the story better. This ending sequence feels unnecessary and even distracts from the creepy tone the rest of the movie had built up. Cutting out five minutes or more of this over-the-top finale would have left the movie stronger and perhaps set up a cleaner path for a potential Smile 3.

Image by Los Angeles Times

Playing with Reality

A highlight of Smile 2 is how it plays with the audience’s perception of what’s real and what isn’t. The demon’s illusions create a sense of unease, leaving us questioning what’s happening alongside the characters. For the most part, this works well, though at times the movie might push it a bit too far, which risks weakening the story’s internal logic. But when it works, it’s fantastic, making you second-guess every shadow and strange interaction.

Image by Variety

Final Thoughts

Final Score: 7 out of 10. Smile 2 lived up to, and sometimes exceeded, the creepy brilliance of the original, and was better than I expected. It managed to get me with a couple of jump scares—which is rare these days—and I was genuinely invested in the characters’ struggles. It’s a worthy sequel that respects the first film and even expands on it, though it could have been even stronger with a more understated ending. Still, it’s worth the price of admission and definitely one for fans of unsettling, psychological horror.

Pros:

  • Respectful Continuity: This sequel didn’t ignore the original and builds on its story without straying too far.
  • Intriguing Character Study: The film gives a chilling glimpse into what it’s like to be haunted by the Smile demon, focusing on the psychological toll it takes on its victims.
  • Expansion of Lore: We get a few new details about the Smile demon and its terrifying tactics, which adds to the tension and enriches the horror mythos.
  • Naomi Scott’s Standout Performance: Scott’s portrayal is raw and intense, bringing real emotional depth and believability to her character’s fear and unraveling.
  • Subtle Psychological Horror: The film’s play with reality—keeping viewers questioning what’s real and what’s an illusion—is chilling and engaging.

Cons:

  • Missed Opportunity for a Stronger Ending: A simpler, psychological finish could have served the story better and left room for a cleaner sequel setup.
  • Occasional Overuse of Illusions: While mostly effective, the “is it real or not?” elements sometimes go too far, risking the story’s coherence and importance.

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