‘Smile 2’ debut with a 79% Rotten Tomatoes score; reviews call it terrifying

Parker Finn’s Smile 2 has officially hit the screens, and early reviews suggest that the sequel is not only living up to the original but, in some ways, surpassing it. With a solid 79% score on Rotten Tomatoes, Smile 2 is being hailed as one of 2024’s top horror surprises. Critics are especially praising Naomi Scott’s gripping performance and the film’s blend of terror, emotion, and dark humor.

Naomi Scott Shines as the Emotional Core

At the center of Smile 2 is Naomi Scott, who plays pop sensation Skye Riley, a star whose world tour is derailed by nightmarish events following the death of a grinning man. Critics across the board have highlighted Scott’s portrayal of the unraveling pop star, with many noting the intensity she brings to the role.

Mark Kennedy from the Associated Press commended Scott’s dedication, writing, “She goes for it all-out—smeared blood, wide-eyed terror, full-on fear.” Scott’s performance adds an emotional depth to the horror, making the viewer feel the isolation and pressure of a superstar grappling with both fame and supernatural dread.

Scott even lends her voice to the film’s soundtrack, with songs critics find believable as pop hits, further grounding her character’s reality.

A Clever Evolution in Storytelling and Style

The sequel, directed once again by Parker Finn, continues the chilling legacy of its predecessor but with more flair. While the first Smile delivered relentless terror, Smile 2 injects a touch of dark humor, according to William Bibbiani of The Wrap. “This time it’s feistier and funnier, proving the premise has legs and also some malleability,” he stated.

Critics agree that the film plays with the boundary between reality and hallucination in clever ways. As Owen Gleiberman of Variety noted, Smile 2 is “a flash-cut horror parable, but the story it’s telling is that pop fame makes you crazy,” adding that Finn’s direction often blurs the line between the real and the imaginary, intensifying the psychological horror.

Gory Scares and Social Commentary

Along with Scott’s strong performance, Smile 2 is being praised for its inventive scares. The film retains the signature eerie grin that terrorized audiences in the first movie but elevates the fear factor with a more complex heroine and edgier horror sequences. According to Bloody Disgusting, the sequel “surpasses its predecessor” with “razor-sharp and inventive, gory scares.”

Beyond just horror, the film provides social commentary on the pressures of celebrity life. Gleiberman points out that nearly every scene “is infused with the awareness that to be a pop star in the 21st century is to conduct oneself like an industry: a never-ending exercise in corporate image management.” The film explores the toll that relentless public scrutiny takes on the individual, making Smile 2 more than just a screamfest—it’s also a reflection on fame’s darker side.

Early reviews for Smile 2 call it Familiar Yet Terrifying

Despite all the praise, some critics have noted that Smile 2 follows a familiar formula. Pete Hammond of Deadline argued that director Parker Finn hasn’t reinvented the wheel with the sequel, writing, “Finn has not reinvented the wheel but instead just put a new driver in charge.” Still, even the more cautious reviews agree that the film delivers plenty of terrifying moments, with Hammond himself lauding Scott’s performance and the horror sequences.

A Promising Franchise for Future Halloweens?

As Smile 2 continues to wow critics and audiences alike, there is already speculation that this sequel could pave the way for a successful horror franchise. Indiewire suggested that the versatility of the Smile concept could make it an October box office fixture for years to come, pointing to the endless creative possibilities for future installments.

Whether or not more sequels are on the horizon, Smile 2 has already proven itself a worthy addition to the world of horror, bringing scares, thrills, and a haunting portrayal of pop culture’s pressures. As CinemaBlend aptly put it, “Smile walked so that Smile 2 could sprint.”