SMILE 2. This Is Going to Ruin the Tour! [REVIEW]

“Smile 2,” the second feature film by Parker Finn, is yet another well-executed lesson in horror, and also a showcase of the director’s wide-ranging skills. Finn not only smoothly blends genres and tones but also demonstrates that he’d excel at directing commercials and music videos.

I won’t spoil how the second part ties into the first “Smile,” to keep the bloody surprises intact. What I can say is that this time, the main storyline revolves around a young pop starlet (someone like a cross between Lady Gaga, Demi Lovato, and Miley Cyrus) going through a particularly rough week. After witnessing her dealer die in a brutal manner, she begins to see things that repeatedly leave her screaming in terror.

In this storyline, we see a sharp critique of the ruthless rules of showbiz, the insane chase for money, and the manipulative control over a child’s fate for personal gain. However, the pop starlet’s character also allows the director to include sequences of photoshoots (with Parker Finn even playing the photographer!) and concert preparations, all shot in a music video-like style. The omnipresent product placement adds to the fun—it’s as if the director is showing that he can film high-quality ads and extravagant music videos too.

Finn experiments with how to build tension and stretch out shocking scenes. Sometimes, he draws out certain moments a little too long, making the jump scares predictable. But, importantly, this doesn’t make them any less effective. It feels intentional, as if the creator knows we understand the rules of horror and drags out the scenes to savor them with the audience. This mastery is beautifully shown in a brief scene—a cutaway during an important conversation in a club—that depicts the death of one of the victims in a striking way.

Beyond the blood and gore, there are beautifully eerie moments that trigger discomfort. “Smile 2” even remixes one of the best scenes from the first film—the one where the character sees a figure standing silently in the corner of her kitchen, much like a sleep paralysis demon watching its victim. This time, a similar phenomenon is captured on a phone screen, as one of the victims records the corner of their kitchen to prove to themselves and others that they’re not imagining things. This sequence works because it slowly draws us in and lets us sink deeper into the victim’s mind.

This moment also serves as a commentary on today’s culture of experiencing everything through the filter of a smartphone—an object that has become both a protective shield and a tool to help us understand the world around us.

The sequel is well-acted, with all the performers convincingly portraying escalating fear. Naomi Scott, as the lead, attempts to secure her place as this year’s “Scream Queen,” giving a nuanced performance as Skye, showing the character’s various levels of fear as the horrors around her intensify. While we may sympathize with her slightly less than the central figure of the first film, Scott keeps the character grounded, making her journey toward reclaiming control of her life compelling.

Lukas Gage excels at portraying the growing madness of his character, while Ray Nicholson (son of Jack Nicholson) skillfully evokes discomfort with his expressions and unsettling gaze. Rosemarie DeWitt also shines as the protagonist’s mother, blending soap opera drama with bloody entertainment in a hospital scene reminiscent of a cross between “Desperate Housewives” and “Hereditary.”

“Smile 2” is often surprisingly funny, embracing the absurdity of certain situations and bizarre exchanges. My favorite moment is a hospital escape scene, followed by a conversation on the street, which had me laughing out loud—showing that there’s a method to this madness.

The sequel to the hit from two years ago skillfully expands on the themes introduced in the first part, opening the door to greater thematic diversity. It builds on the film’s lore without offering definitive answers, knowing that uncertainty and mystery create the most fear.

Finn also borrows elements from other genres and film formats to enhance his story, showing that horror can encompass even the most contrasting components. The frequent shifts in tone might give the audience whiplash, but the surprising mix keeps things in check, constantly pulling the right emotional strings.

The blend of humor and grotesque horror, along with moments of genuine fright, makes for a film that you gulp down like a young pelican. The first movie might be better, but “Smile 2” expands the story in fun ways. It’s bloody, creepy, and occasionally funny—a perfect watch for Halloween.