I remember Smile being an interesting concept, but it didn’t quite stick the landing for me. Still, the trailer for this sequel caught my attention with its fresh take on the story and a new protagonist. To my surprise, I ended up liking this one quite a bit more than the first. The visuals were more striking, and Naomi Scott’s performance as Skye Riley was nothing short of extraordinary.
Right off the bat, what stood out was how much more visually interesting this film was compared to its predecessor. The first Smile had a muted, almost dreary look, but this one felt alive with colour and creativity, especially since it’s set around the world of a pop star. From concert stages to unsettling dreamlike sequences, the visuals helped immerse me in both the glitz of Skye’s public life and the creeping horror of her private torment. It was a big step up that made the film so much more engaging to watch.
Then there’s Naomi Scott, who absolutely carries the film on her shoulders. Her portrayal of Skye, a pop star battling inner demons while being haunted by an actual demon, felt raw and believable. She nailed every moment, from the quiet breakdowns to the sheer terror in her eyes during the film’s scariest scenes. Watching her character unravel as the story progressed made the stakes feel real, and I couldn’t help but root for her, even as things spiralled out of control.
What really surprised me were the jump scares. Usually, I’m not a fan of them as they’re often predictable and cheap but Smile 2 managed to pull off a few that genuinely caught me off guard. The horror wasn’t just about loud noises; it was in the creepy visuals, the unsettling smiles, and the constant feeling that reality could bend at any moment. Sure, not every scare landed, but the ones that did left an impression.
Smash Hit Score: 7/10
Smile 2 is a good sequel that exceeded my expectations. It feels more polished and confident than the first film, with a better pace and a more compelling lead. Sure, some of the narrative beats feel a little repetitive, and it doesn’t dive much deeper into the lore of the “Smile” entity, but honestly, I didn’t mind. Between the vibrant visuals and Naomi Scott’s powerhouse performance, this is one horror movie I’d gladly watch again.
All film shots taken from TheMovieDB.org
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