‘Smile 2’ review: horror sequel blends dark humour with music-biz stardom and a sinister grin

‘Smile 2’ returns with a sinister story as the infamous smile-hex phantom targets a pop star’s darkest fears.

Smile 2, the anticipated sequel to the 2022 horror hit, returns with its haunting smile-hex phantom, now targeting pop sensation Skye Riley, played with intense vulnerability by Naomi Scott. This time, director Parker Finn explores the darker, more insidious aspects of the music industry, portraying fame as both a catalyst and curse.

Through Skye’s journey, the film unearths the pressures of relentless celebrity, mental health struggles, and trauma – all while a sinister entity exploits her weaknesses. The phantom’s eerie grin becomes a chilling symbol of Skye’s downward spiral, cleverly reflecting society’s obsession with celebrity image and the unseen toll it takes.

Skye’s story unfolds against a backdrop of mounting psychological horror, beginning with a near-fatal accident that claimed her boyfriend’s life and threatened her career. As she faces intense media scrutiny and pressures from an unforgiving industry, Skye finds herself plagued by grotesque hallucinations and supernatural encounters, each one drawing her closer to her breaking point.

Finn balances terrifying moments with sharp satire, using the smile-hex as a metaphor for Skye’s inner demons and the suffocating expectations of fame. For instance, in one standout scene, Skye’s attempt to deliver a poised speech at a charity event unravels as she slips into brutal honesty, revealing the emotional torment beneath her forced smile.

Other scenes capture the horror of celebrity life with unsettling clarity. In a suspenseful face-off at her high-rise condo, phantom backup dancers embody the horrors of being constantly “on” for an audience. The unsettling encounter layers both physical and psychological horror, reinforcing the movie's satire on how celebrities are often treated as objects of entertainment without regard for their mental well-being.

While Smile 2 may not match its predecessor’s relentless scare factor, critics and audiences alike praise Finn’s innovative approach to horror. By grounding the terror in the high-stakes world of pop fame, the film offers a fresh narrative that extends beyond jump scares. The sinister journey builds toward a twisted, darkly satisfying finale that comments on the industry’s toll, resonating with viewers long after the credits roll.

The film’s success lies in its unique blend of horror and satire, making it a thought-provoking addition to the genre and setting a high standard for sequels that dare to expand beyond the original's scare tactics.