3.0 out of 5 star rating
Just as people often say that when you smile, others smile back at you, the same can’t be said for this new business venture. Instead of spreading joy, it seems to have an insatiable appetite for more, trying to overpower you with its excessive demands.
In simpler terms, the film Smile from 2022 draws inspiration from classic J-horror movies like Ringu and The Grudge, as well as Final Destination and It Follows. The movie revolves around a chilling series of deaths triggered by an evil, smirking entity that targets its victims one at a time. After terrifying them, the entity compels them to carry out a violent suicide in front of a spectator, who then becomes its next victim.
As a cinephile, I can’t help but admire Parker Finn’s masterful handling of symbolism in “Smile.” While he hammered home the film’s haunting themes with precision, the production and execution were nothing short of surgical. What truly set it apart was its dark wit – a subtly humorous undertone that was easy to miss but gave it a unique twist. With Smile 2, Finn seems to be serving up more of the same enthralling blend.
Six days following the climactic events depicted in Smile, its subsequent installment resumes the narrative thread. The pop sensation Skye Riley (played by Naomi Scott) is experiencing a renaissance. After overcoming substance addiction and surviving a car accident that caused severe injuries, she’s preparing for a global tour. Crucially, she’s now living a sober life – except for the occasional Vicodin to manage her lingering back pain.
When Skye goes to meet an old friend for some pills and witnesses him shattering his face with a 35lb weight plate, she departs with far more than just fear. And while she isn’t aware of it yet, what she will eventually see is a grotesque, elongated creature with multiple fingers, resembling a monster.
Amidst the chaos caused by trauma in Skye’s life, she seeks aid from an unanticipated source. Morris (portrayed by Peter Jacobson) is an ER nurse whose sibling was connected to the same network as Skye, until he brutally severed his own jaw with a crowbar. Now, Morris is determined to annihilate what he refers to as a “cosmic evil entity.” However, he must first eliminate Skye. His strategy involves halting her heart to leave the “parasite” without a host, thereby dismantling the chain, followed by resuscitating her.
The lead pop star character uses the Smile formula in various situations, such as interviews, fan events, or large concerts. In each of these instances, Skye often finds herself surrounded by crowds, any one of whom could be a disguised villain. These settings highlight her vulnerability and create suspense in every possible interaction, as skillfully portrayed by Finn. The most striking examples of this tension are noticeable in the higher-budget sequences of the sequel.
In the fresh environment, there’s a shift in underlying themes. Unlike Smile’s confined and introspective psychiatry realm, Skye’s is characterized by public displays and deception. For popstars, life is a perpetual stage. They are expected to conceal their genuine feelings and emotions for the sake of their audience, management, and shareholders, while simultaneously transforming their emotions into chart-topping hits.
Skye expresses feelings of emptiness and the sensation that she’s temporarily inhabiting someone else’s body. When her psychological well-being deteriorates significantly, bearing a deceptive traumatic entity doesn’t help matters. Consequently, she struggles to persuade her close friends that she requires assistance, as her obligations are too crucial.
Scott effectively communicates intense stress in his role. In an impressive display of acting prowess, the British thespian switches between bewildered, maniacal, astonished, and sniffling, portraying Skye’s internal and external struggles superbly.
Similar to its predecessor, the second installment showcases striking visual design, an eccentric musical score, disoriented camera work, and intense jump scares. Yet, these elements are accompanied by a familiar storyline. Smile 2 adheres almost exactly to the pattern set by its precursor. The director’s techniques might be more elaborate, but he is still relying on the same creative resources as before. The sequel offers only a slight variation in proposing a new method to disrupt the cycle. It’s evident that Finn has no plans to deviate from this formula any time soon.
Movie titled “Smile 2” will hit theaters on October 18, 2024. Currently, you can watch the original “Smile” on Netflix for as low as £4.99 per month. Additionally, Netflix is accessible on both Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream platforms.
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2024-10-16 16:35