Smile 2 (2024) creates the perfect haunting atmosphere in our minds that lingers long after the credits roll. Exactly an indicator of a good film in my standards. Director Parker Finn doubles down on the original’s formula, blending supernatural horror with a deep dive into emotional scars that won’t heal. Literally and figuratively.
The cinematography is one of its strongest tools, using unsettling camera angles that twist and turn similar to what we saw in Midsommar from Ari Aster, (https://filmdiction.com/2020/04/26/midsommar-mastering-the-fear-factor-of-not-knowing/) creating a dizzying effect that perfectly mirrors the confusion of reality vs. imagination.
This is a film where every frame feels meticulously crafted, with slow pans and sharp tilts that keep the audience in a state of constant unease and paranoia just like the character herself. The use of lighting—often stark and unnatural—builds an atmosphere that feels both dreamlike and claustrophobic due to the extreme usage of close ups.
The performances are another highlight, with each actor fully committing to the tension that defines the story. Naomi Scott, with an outstanding performance creates the sense of desperation and psychological very skilfully. Her expressions and nervous energy drive home the film’s eerie, skin-crawling vibe.
Lastly, the story is set very cleverly. Smile 2 starts with an intriguing prologue that sets the tone perfectly. The story picks up where the first left off, delving deeper into the supernatural curse, but it’s the psychological elements in it that shines through.
There’s the thematic exploration of trauma and inherited fear, adding layers to what could easily have been just another jump-scare fest. Instead, the film opts for a more psychological approach, grounding its horror in emotions that feel all too relatable.
In the end, Smile 2 succeeds in pulling the audience into a nightmarish spiral—of course with loud screams. It had been a while since I actually heard people screaming louder that me in the cinema. Its strong performances and meticulously crafted visuals create a horror experience that’s both deeply unsettling and unexpectedly beautiful. Watching this horror movie gave me more hope for the genre and I cannot wait to see more.
Nihal Gürsoy
*Screenshots retrieved from official trailers.
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