Smile 2: A Superior Sequel That Earns Its Grin
Naomi Scott delivers a nerve-jangling star turn as director Parker Finn expands his cursed franchise into pop stardom nightmare.
Horror sequels face an impossible task: deliver more of what audiences loved while also surprising them. Smile 2 threads this needle with remarkable skill, expanding mythology into new thematic territory.
Naomi Scott is phenomenal as Skye Riley, a global pop sensation whose life has already been shattered. When she witnesses her dealer die with that horrible smile, the entity finds a host whose trauma runs deeper than anything it's encountered.
Finn's script cleverly uses Skye's celebrity to amplify the horror. She can't escape the spotlight, which means she can't hide her unraveling. The reality-bending sequences are more ambitious than the original.
With $138 million worldwide and 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, Smile 2 proves the franchise has legs. Naomi Scott is the MVP.
Pros
- + Naomi Scott's phenomenal lead performance
- + Expands mythology intelligently
- + Effective commentary on fame and addiction
Cons
- - Some jump scares feel formulaic
- - 127-minute runtime stretches the concept
Verdict
Proof that horror sequels can evolve rather than repeat.