Smile 2’s Most Heartbreaking Twist Was Hiding in Plain Sight All Along

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In a chilling twist, the movie titled “Smile 2” isn’t just about supernatural horror; it delves deeper into the horrifying story of its lead character, Skye Riley (played by Naomi Scott). First introduced in Parker Finn’s 2022 horror film “Smile”, the enigmatic being known as the “Smile Entity” is a malevolent, spectral creature that torments its victims for a week before completely obliterating their minds, taking control of them, and compelling them to end their own lives. The Smile Entity also ensures that each victim’s death is witnessed by another person, who then becomes the next target for the Entity’s terror.

In “Smile 2”, renowned pop star and former drug addict Skye Riley sadly falls victim to the Entity’s curse after witnessing her old friend-turned-drug dealer, Lewis (portrayed by Lukas Gage), die while under the influence of a demon. For another week, Skye is tormented by the Entity’s hauntings before it eventually possesses and kills her in front of a massive crowd at a concert venue (a development that significantly impacts “Smile 3”). Although Skye’s death in “Smile 2” is both horrifying and heartbreaking, there’s an additional element to her character development in the movie that adds an extra layer of emotional impact: Skye’s unwavering resolve to leave behind the errors of her past.

Skye Really Was Trying to Turn Her Life Around

In the film “Smile 2”, Skye Riley appears primed for an impressive resurgence following a series of events that came perilously close to claiming her life. While she’s been through rehab and has garnered widespread support for her comeback tour, scenes from Smile 2 behind the curtains show that Skye remains a deeply troubled individual under immense pressure due to her large-scale comeback tour, the constant scrutiny of the world, and as hinted in a flashback, Skye grapples with the guilt over the car accident that took the life of her boyfriend Paul Hudson (Ray Nicholson). Yet, despite all these burdens bearing down on her, Skye dedicates herself wholeheartedly to making amends and starting anew in Smile 2.

In contrast to her mother/manager Elizabeth (Rosemarie DeWitt), her support team, and her record label who are pushing Skye back into the spotlight when it’s evident she needs a break from public life and performing, seemingly oblivious or uncaring that her hit single “New Brain” is a desperate plea for help. Yet, Skye continues to strive for positivity, smiling through autograph signings and talk shows, reconnecting with her old friend Gemma (Dylan Gelula) to mend their broken relationship, and dedicating herself to rigorous rehearsals for her upcoming tour – all to demonstrate to her family, friends, peers, the world, and above all herself that she can recover from her self-inflicted decline. Crucially, Skye resists the very thing that once led to her life’s collapse.

Picture a situation where an ominous spectral being, disguised as familiar faces and flashing a chilling grin, torments you relentlessly. This phantom manipulates your perception of reality, making you witness false incidents, driving you into irrational fear and aggression towards those around you. It triggers uncontrollable outbursts in public and constantly forces you to confront the most traumatic event from your past. To make matters worse, you’re a globally adored pop star fresh out of rehab for substance abuse, about to give a live performance on stage in front of millions. This is Skye’s daily struggle in Smile 2. Remarkably, despite the spectral harassment, Skye remains steadfast and abstains from using drugs or alcohol.

It’s clear that Skye is struggling not to give in to her cravings for drugs or alcohol, and as she talks to Gemma, she reveals this. Her rehab doctor suggested she drink water whenever she feels the urge, and with the hauntings growing stronger, Skye drinks a great deal of water. In fact, a peek into Skye’s kitchen drawer shows numerous bottles of Voss water, not just a promotional touch in Smile 2, but a sign that Skye understands overcoming her addiction will take immense self-control and determination. Skye’s habit of pulling out handfuls of her hair under stress further demonstrates how much the Entity’s presence is frightening her.

For a former drug addict tormented by a malevolent entity, it’s quite remarkable that they manage to resist the allure of their self-destructive past. Given Skye’s renowned status preparing for a comeback tour, it’s astonishing that she doesn’t succumb to her old habits as a desperate defense against the Entity’s psychological onslaught (though such measures likely wouldn’t have been effective, given the Entity’s mind-infecting abilities). Even when Skye visits her drug dealer friend Lewis in the beginning of Smile 2, she’s only seeking Vicodin for managing her chronic back pain following a car accident, and resorts to such low-key methods because no one will prescribe her anything stronger due to her history of substance abuse. It’s evident that Skye has learned from her past struggles with drugs, and nothing, not even the demon’s persistent prodding, can persuade her to return to either.

Skye’s Determination To Get Her Life Back on Track Makes Her a Very Tragic Protagonist in Smile 2

Just as Rose Cotter (Susie Bacon) in the original Smile, Skye Riley is a deeply sorrowful character tormented and eventually destroyed by a ruthlessly malicious supernatural entity. What makes Skye’s tale particularly poignant is that she had a genuine opportunity to regain her prominence in the music industry and, more importantly, restore her life.

Indeed, Skye isn’t entirely blameless given her role in the car accident resulting in Paul’s death. However, she demonstrates redemption by attempting to rid herself of the Entity using a chemical compound when no one else was available to revive her. In a selfless act, she declared, “It doesn’t matter what happens to me anymore, but I won’t let this thing use me to hurt anyone else.” The cruelty and mind manipulation of the Smile Entity, even allowing Skye to believe she had triumphed momentarily, prevented her from freeing herself and resuming her life as she had been striving for throughout the movie. The potential for Skye Riley to stage a career comeback and reclaim her life is the heart-wrenching tragedy of Smile 2, symbolizing the relentless malice of the Entity in destroying the life of a reformed addict who yearned for her previous life back.

Smile 2 is available to stream on Paramount+.

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2025-05-05 21:40