Writer & director of the first Smile, Parker Fin returns 2 years after the original with Smile 2. The latest sequel stars Naomi Scott as pop star Skye Riley who begins to experience a series of increasingly disturbing events as she is about to go on tour. Rosemarie DeWitt, Lukas Cage, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Peter Jacobson, Raúl Castillo, Dylan Gelula, and Ray Nicholson star in supporting roles, with Kyle Gallner being the only one to reprise his role from the first film.

The first Smile was an unexpected success. Truthfully, I don’t even think I saw it in theaters. I believe I saw it when it came out on Paramount+, but that was because I really no interest in seeing it. For one, I was in a weird place with horror at the time due to the pandemic. Seeing horrific things happen to people didn’t seem ideal in an already gloomy world at the time. Second, the concept just appeared to be goofy based on the marketing. To my surprise, I was quite entertained by it. I could tell Parker Finn was going to be a fresh voice in horror going by how dark and mature the film is. Upon a recent rewatch, I don’t think the original particularly aged well, but it was still entertaining. I didn’t think a sequel was necessary, but after seeing it, I can confidently say that I really, really, really liked it.

The story in the sequel takes place almost immediately after the first. Without any spoilers, the film finds a creative way to connect to the first with an outstanding one-take shot that is only the first of many. Parker Finn must have heard how much I like one-take shots. They are not only frequent, but they are done incredibly well. While I really liked what they did in the opening scene, I was still a little disappointed. Something happens to a certain character that I think could have played a big part in the main plot. It is what it is though, because the film still finds a way to keep the momentum going. The beginning tells the audience to not get too attached, and yet it’s nice to see some connection to the first thanks to the original writer & direction returning.

Once the story connects into the main plot involving Scott’s character, I was invested from beginning to end. I do think the writing immensely improves here with the protagonist over the first. This is not a dig towards the actress of the first. I just think Finn is showing where he is improving with his writing. There is a lot more to care about in Scott’s character. She has gone through a lot within the last year. Her comeback proves that others around her only care about what’s in their best interest over her own, including her own mother, played by Rosemarie DeWitt, who works for her. Even when she has down time, it’s not like anyone is ever going of their way just to spend time with her. When the film reveals more about the past, you only feel more and more for Scott’s character.

This is a perfect opportunity to talk about Scott’s performance. This is a performance unlike anything else. What is required of her makes her completely vulnerable. She easily disappears into this character. While this speaks to Finn’s strength as a director who is improving in his craft, it also shows that Scott’s time to shine is now. The way she can shed a tear on command or display anxiety is truly some incredible work. There were a few moments where she displays a panic attack that is so realistic. She delivers the best performance of the year so far. I can’t imagine that changing much by the end of the year.

The sequel manages to be better than the original due to its story, but it all wouldn’t be possible without its pacing. I took issue with how long the first movie was, and I felt like at least 20-30 minutes could have been cut. Here, I can’t imagine what could have been cut and it’s at least 10 minutes longer than the first. If you aren’t a superstar or famous, I think it’s tough to relate to someone who is. Finn brings Scott’s character down to a level that is relatable. Between the investment being put into her career and just how consistent the scares are, there’s never a dull moment, but there’s also never an over-the-top jump scare that doesn’t feel cheap.

Horror movies that have nothing but jump scares can be quite cheap nowadays, especially when it’s that over any story or substance. Where the Smile franchise succeeds with how it approaches its horror more as a psychological. There are a few jump scares, but there are always so unexpected. Being in a crowd full of people makes it fun and entertaining. I applaud Paramount for putting these movies in theaters instead of their streaming service, which is something they initially were going to do.

Finn establishes so much lore in the film that makes the film interesting. I hate to say it, but I am more inclined to visit this one more over the first due to the way the lore is explained. There is a lot more to understand, keeping you invested with what happens next. The film also continues to keep you second guessing yourself to the point where the twist ending truly blew my mind. It was done so well that isn’t confusing, but made me want to revisit the film to see what I missed. I didn’t feel that way with the first one. Once again, without spoilers, the twist ending is pulled off so well that it makes you view the film from a completely different perspective. It almost feels like someone else made the film with the approach that it is given.

The intensity is cracked up to eleven in the sequel. The gore is so much more intense. The horror really got under my skin and gave me chills. It’s been a while since a horror film has given me that. I’ll give credit to Finn once again with how he places his characters. You consistently see this things from Scott’s character’s point of view, making it even more thrilling and engaging. The synthetic score is still there and sounds great in a premium theater format. The cinematography once again goes even harder as it blends shots into new scenes with the editing team finding unique ways to make it all transition. The creative team went harder than they ever needed to be. Give me whatever they want to do next. I am in. Based on how this one ends, my jaw dropped. I am really interested in seeing what they do next.

Overall, Smile 2 doubles down on the first, showing that Finn is a talented filmmaker in horror. Naomi Scott not only gives the best performance of the year so far, but also the best of her career. What this film accomplishes will send chills down your spine. The cinematography and sound design still look great, but look even better on the big screen. The film finds a creative way to tell its story that makes the 2 hours fly by. There was more potential with the story to make the first one matter more. All-in-all, this is still a great time that is well worth watching at the theater.

VERDICT: 4/5 (Great)