Reviews

Smile 2 (18) |Close-Up Film Review

Dir. Parker Finn, US/Canada, 2024 • 127 mins, UK

Cast:  Naomi Scott, Rosemarie DeWitt, Lukas Gage

Review by Matthew Morlai Kamara

After the first Smile film left a chilling impression, Smile 2 took me by surprise with its shift into the world of celebrity horror.

As a fan of pop culture thrillers, the story of global sensation Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) battling terrifying supernatural forces while trying to keep her tour together intrigued me.

Skye’s past haunts her as she faces a series of nightmarish events that threaten to destroy both her career and her sanity. The plot excels in building tension, as Skye’s downward spiral mirrors the pressures of fame and unresolved trauma.

The film taps into modern fears of public life, mental health, and the price of superstardom. Scott’s portrayal of a woman unravelling under the weight of these forces is gripping, though some of the horror elements feel predictable.

While the scares are effective, they aren’t as unique or innovative as the first film’s nerve-shattering moments. That said, the intense psychological struggle Skye faces, paired with a haunting score, adds emotional depth.

Smile 2 doesn’t fully reach the heights of its predecessor, but it’s a solid entry with a 3.5-star rating for its strong lead performance and emotional exploration.