Smile 2 is the latest film from Parker Finn that is a direct sequel to the 2022 film Smile. In the new film, we follow pop star Skye Riley played by Naomi Scott as she battles the smile curse. Check out the synopsis below.

Pop sensation Skye Riley begins to experience a series of increasingly disturbing and daunting events as she is about to go on a new world tour and is forced to face her dark past to regain control of her life before it spirals out of control.

I was excited about Smile 2 after being surprised by the first one. Smile was absolutely nothing what I expected it to be once I watched it. Parker Finn absolutely surpasses the first film in so many ways from the story to the visuals. Smile 2 of course is coming out in a year when horror has been incredibly strong with The First Omen being in our top 10. Smile 2 however is able to really pave its own road with Finn sticking to his unique visual storytelling and aesthetics. The film starts out right where the last one left off with some surprises that will leave you speechless.

Naomi Scott as Skye Riley is the real deal when it comes to Smile 2. Scott plays the troubled pop star Riley so well leading to an emotional climax. If the awards bodies were real, we would be seeing Scott be nominated through and through. Of course, horror has always gotten a cold shoulder as we’ve seen even with other great leads like Toni Collete. Naomi’s role is so layered and filled with so many incredible scenes of range. Raul Castillo and Rosemarie Dewitt as well are great in the film as Riley’s inner circle. They both are really just looking out for themselves but pretend to be there for Skye. It gets increasingly frustrating for Skye and the viewer how much these people really don’t care. All of this is just due to the subtle performance from both actors which is brilliant.

Parker Finn also amps up the antics when it comes to the brutality of the film. Smile already has a lot of discourse surrounding the nihilism and mean spirit it delivers. In Smile 2 we see Finn continue this and dial up the volume to max! I was in awe at how much destruction and death was in the film. It starts off with one of the meanest things I’ve seen on screen in the first 10 minutes. The opening shot alone makes you want to take a minute, but Finn throws us right into the pop star world and you can’t look away. All of this however doesn’t come off as meaningless or shocking for shocks sake. The emotional aspects of the film really bring it all together to tell a riveting story of trauma. I felt emotional during so many scenes and that’s all thanks to Scott’s incredible performance.

The practical designs of the creature and effects are just outstanding as well. Finn really develops an explosive finale that almost had me coming out of my seat. There are so many creative scenes throughout the run time of the film to keep you engaged, with something fresh each turn. Finn packs shots that will leave you wanting to rewatch the film again. I was left in awe and just curious as to how they pulled off such vivid imagery.

Overall, Smile 2 is that sequel you wanted and even more with Finn and Scott delivering. I am excited to see what Finn does next in this world because the stakes are higher than ever by the end. A truly monumental series that will be looked back on as one of the classics. Definitely check out Smile 2 on the biggest and loudest screen possible.