By: Onica Mary
The narrative begins shortly after the events of the first film. Joel, the police officer who witnessed Dr. Rose Cotter's tragic end, attempts to transfer the curse by orchestrating a murder-suicide involving criminals. However, the plan backfires, leading to Joel's death and the inadvertent passing of the curse to Lewis Fregoli, a drug dealer.
Skye Riley is on the verge of a career resurgence following a hiatus due to a car accident that claimed the life of her actor boyfriend, Paul Hudson. Despite her efforts to maintain sobriety and focus on her upcoming tour, Skye's physical pain leads her to seek relief from Lewis, an old acquaintance. During their encounter, Skye witnesses Lewis's gruesome suicide, unknowingly inheriting the sinister curse.
As the curse takes hold, Skye experiences terrifying hallucinations of people around her displaying eerie, malevolent smiles. These visions exacerbate her existing anxieties and past traumas, causing her to question her sanity. The relentless nature of the curse isolates Skye, straining her relationships with her mother and manager, Elizabeth, and her assistant, Joshua.
In her quest for answers, Skye reconnects with her estranged friend Gemma and encounters Morris, a man who has been tracking the entity since it claimed his brother. Morris proposes a radical solution: stopping Skye's heart temporarily to break the curse's hold. Desperate, Skye contemplates this risky method while battling the entity's escalating assaults on her psyche.
The film delves into themes of trauma, addiction, and the pressures of fame. Skye's struggle with the curse mirrors her internal battles with guilt and the public's expectations, highlighting the isolating nature of stardom. Director Parker Finn effectively uses the horror genre to explore these complex issues, offering a narrative that resonates beyond typical jump scares.
Naomi Scott's portrayal of Skye Riley has been widely acclaimed. Critics praise her ability to convey a wide range of emotions, capturing Skye's vulnerability and resilience. Her performance anchors the film, making the supernatural elements feel grounded in genuine human experience.
"Smile 2" also benefits from its atmospheric cinematography and sound design. The unsettling visuals and eerie score contribute to a pervasive sense of dread, immersing viewers in Skye's harrowing journey. The film balances psychological horror with moments of intense, visceral terror, ensuring a gripping experience for audiences.
. Critics noted that while the sequel follows a similar formula to its predecessor, it expands on the original's themes and offers a fresh perspective by centering the story around a pop star's experiences. The film's exploration of fame as a potential curse and its commentary on societal pressures faced by celebrities add depth to the horror narrative.
In conclusion, "Smile 2" builds upon the foundation laid by the original film, offering a chilling exploration of trauma and the dark side of fame. With a compelling performance by Naomi Scott and a thought-provoking storyline, the sequel stands out as a noteworthy entry in contemporary horror cinema.