Smile 2: A Dazzling Descent into Terror, but Does It Go Too Far?

The highly anticipated Smile 2 is a daring continuation of Parker Finn’s eerie universe, diving headfirst into psychological horror and supernatural terror. It’s a movie that swings for the fences with its ambitious ideas, and while some of its swings connect beautifully, others threaten to overextend the film’s reach.

At its core, Smile 2 grapples with themes of perception and reality, blurring the lines between the two. This distortion is undeniably a strength when wielded in moderation—it immerses the viewer in the protagonist's fractured psyche and enhances the terror. However, by leaning on hallucination as the primary narrative device, the film risks exhausting its audience. With reality blurred for an overwhelming 95% of the runtime (I'm obviously ballparking it), the disorientation starts to feel less like immersive horror and more like a marathon of confusion. A sharper balance might have elevated the storytelling to even greater heights.

In the first film, it’s established that the demon grows stronger with each passing day, distorting reality to the point where hallucinations become indistinguishable from the truth. Even early in the curse’s progression, hallucinations play a major role—take the chilling scene where the original protagonist unknowingly kills her cat and gifts it to her nephew. Yet, the sequel amplifies this concept to such extremes that it loses some of its effectiveness. By the end, so much of the film feels like one extended hallucination, leaving little room for genuine interaction between characters. This over-reliance diminishes the impact of inter-character relationships, depriving others of the opportunity to react meaningfully and move the story forward.

Despite this, Smile 2 excels in its creativity, particularly with its central premise. The demon’s possession of a pop star, brilliantly played by Naomi Scott, is nothing short of genius. The potential for mass infection—fans turning into unwitting carriers of the entity—is a terrifyingly original concept, amplifying the stakes to an almost apocalyptic level. It’s a clever evolution of the curse's mechanics, taking the series beyond its intimate origins and into a grander, more insidious threat.

The first half of the film is an absolute triumph. It delivers some of the most flawless horror sequences in recent memory, with suspense so sharp it feels like a knife edge. The tension builds masterfully, creating an atmosphere of dread that leaves viewers clutching their seats. Every aspect of the production, from the performances to the editing, radiates excellence. Naomi Scott is a standout, her portrayal of a crumbling psyche grounding the film’s most fantastical moments with raw emotion.

Certain scenes are destined to become iconic. The car argument was mind-blowing, an astonishingly shot sequence that balances explosive emotions with a terrifying undercurrent of impending doom. Equally unforgettable is the scene where the curse makes the protagonist believe that a “fan” or "stalker" invades her apartment. It’s the kind of moment that leaves you breathless, your jaw on the floor, and your heart pounding as the film plunges into visceral, almost unbearable terror.

Where Smile 2 falters is in its second half, where the relentless hallucinations begin to overshadow the narrative’s brilliance. The psychological unraveling, while gripping, could have benefited from moments of clarity to give viewers a firmer foothold in the story. That said, the film’s audacity and commitment to its vision are admirable, even if they risk alienating some audiences.

In the end, Smile 2 is a bold, often breathtaking horror film that dares to push boundaries. Its inventive premise, exceptional performances, and chilling set pieces make it a must-watch for fans of the genre. However, its reliance on hallucinatory chaos may divide viewers, with some reveling in the disorientation and others longing for more grounding. Whether you leave the theater exhilarated or exhausted, one thing is certain: Smile 2 leaves a mark, and it’s one you won’t soon forget.

-Thank you for Reading! Don't forget to check back with Fellowship of Fandoms for more updates about your favorite fandoms

-By Richard Kent FM