Smile 2 Review: A Darker Descent into Horror

Parker Finn’s Smile 2 brings back the unnerving tension of the first film, but this time with a heavier, more visceral punch. The supernatural elements of the original have been dialed up with a blend of grotesque body horror and chilling medical imagery that make this sequel stand out as a darker, bloodier experience. While the original Smile was about unnerving supernatural terrors, Smile 2 pushes further into the grotesque, making it both terrifying and hard to watch for fans with weaker stomachs.

At the heart of the film is Skye Riley (played by Naomi Scott), a global pop star embarking on a new world tour. As the pressures of her fame mount, Skye is haunted by increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events. From hallucinations to horrifying physical afflictions, her life begins to spiral out of control, forcing her to confront her dark past. This pressure cooker of supernatural and psychological torment serves as both the central plot and emotional core of the movie.

One of the most striking differences between Smile 2 and its predecessor is its unapologetic embrace of gore. The body horror in particular adds a level of discomfort that wasn’t present in the first film, with medical elements playing a major role in the unsettling atmosphere. The film’s depictions of distorted bodies, mutilations, and surreal medical sequences deliver some of the most cringeworthy moments, yet it mirrors the protagonist’s own inner unraveling.

While the jump scares in Smile 2 may be a bit predictable for seasoned horror fans, they are still remarkably effective. You might see them coming, but the impact still manages to land with enough force to jolt you out of your seat. Finn skillfully builds tension to make these moments count, even if you know they’re on the way.

One of the film's biggest strengths lies in its ability to make the audience feel the emotional and psychological strain of Skye's experiences. Some scenes may feel overwhelming or even frustrating as her hallucinations blur the lines between reality and delusion, but this is intentional. It allows us to feel what Skye is going through—a mounting sense of loss, confusion, and isolation as she loses control over her life. There are moments that make you cringe, not just from the graphic visuals, but from the frustration of watching her spiral, perfectly replicating how Skye must feel.

Despite being a sequel, Smile 2 arguably surpasses the first film. While the original established the unnerving premise of psychological horror, the sequel deepens the fear, delivering an even more intense experience. However, it’s not without its flaws. Certain sequences where Skye imagines things became difficult to follow, leaving me feeling lost at points. These sections could have benefited from a clearer narrative thread, but they were likely meant to reflect Skye’s own disorientation.

All in all, Smile 2 is a solid horror sequel that takes bold risks, leaning into gore and body horror to up the ante from its predecessor. While the story may sometimes lose its way amid Skye’s blurred reality, the film more than makes up for it with its effective scares and the strong, emotionally charged performance from Naomi Scott. If you’re looking for something darker and more disturbing than the original, Smile 2 will not disappoint.