Smile 2

Parker Finn had a reasonable hit with Smile in 2022, hence 2024 there’s Smile 2. Ostensibly that which shall remain nameless is still the main source of horror. But here Finn as writer and director takes the supernatural elements and adds some very human issues that for the individual are just as scary as anything spectral.

Global pop superstar Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) is getting her career back together after drugs, booze, car crash and a death sent her career into a downward spiral.

On the verge of a spectacular comeback, aided and led by her mother Elizabeth (Rosmarie DeWitt), Skye is still feeling the physical pain of the accident. Because of her addictions she’s only allowed weak painkillers, so she goes to score something stronger from dealer Lewis (Lukas Gage). At his place he’s acting up, could it be the coke that’s covering the glass table? However once that wide rictus smile appears and he smashes his face in with a weight, the audience know what’s up.

But its not that clear cut and for the next two hours Finn via some excellent camera work and sound design keeps the viewer engrossed as Skye battles the demons of the supernatural, substances and success.

This could have been messy but its held together by an outstanding physical and emotive performance from Scott. The vulnerability of Skye’s position with the pressures of stardom are laid bare with flashbacks and stills of her public collapse. Added to this there is her disorientation as the demon begins to take hold with visions and her own recovery from mental illness.

The latter doesn’t feel exploitative as its not layered on, more threaded in with her other issues. The most obvious is her relationship with best friend Gemma (Dylan Gelula) that was destroyed through Skye’s arrogance and now reaching out for support.

Finn glances at the power of stardom and its trappings: fame and money as well as darker elements of fan adoration and obsession. There’s not a deep analysis here just enough to provide some background and perspective to Skye’s pre-possession condition.

Smile 2 is out now in UK cinemas.