Horror fans are all smiles for terrifying sequel, 'Smile 2'

It's rare to confidently say that a sequel is better than the original film, but "Smile 2" indisputably shines compared to its predecessor. 

"Smile 2" follows precarious pop star Skye Riley, played brilliantly by Naomi Scott, during her return to the limelight after a tragic car accident turns her life sideways. Petrified by the pressures of her upcoming tour and fear of never recovering from her injuries, the singer plunges into a mental breakdown. 

Plagued by episodes of psychosis and restlessness, Skye's crumbling reputation is the least of her concerns when she notices people start smiling at her. But these are no ordinary smiles. They're uncanny, stomach-churning smiles that would terrify anyone — think Pennywise-level creepy. 

The "Smile" follow-up adds further lore to the universe, to the point where several moments feel like they could be reality. In fact, promotion for the original film gained traction on social media when actors were asked to sport the now-infamous smile at public events. For example, crowd members at a Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees game were spotted standing and smiling disturbingly into the camera.  

The smiles are so ironically at odds with her crumbling life that they compel Skye to deliver one of the film's most powerful lines: "Stop smiling at me!"

To make matters worse, Skye suddenly becomes the target of violent attacks by these smiley-faced lunatics. Marked by paranoia and hallucinations, Skye and the audience are left to question her grip on reality. 

If you've seen the first film, you would know this is the work of a demonic being who possesses its victims and slowly drives them to fatal madness. The demon procures power by feeding on the mental anguish of its subjects and relies on their suicide to migrate. 

It creates this negative feedback of unrealized trauma and underdeveloped coping mechanisms that eventually consume its host. 

As twisted and unsettling as the plot is, it facilitates a nuanced and poignant conversation around stardom and unresolved emotional wounds. Skye's mental struggles are profoundly relatable and tether her character to audience members. At times, Skye's storyline can be difficult and frustrating to watch because there could be opportunities for her to seek help and mend if she were a regular person. 

In an interview with director Parker Finn, he explains, "(Skye) struggles with the authenticity of her relationships because everything is influenced by her fame. There's also the public expectation that she can't really talk about what's going on inside. Unlike the first film's protagonist, Rose, who was desperate for someone to believe her, Skye can't talk to anyone."

The film is powerful because viewers can empathize with Skye's helplessness, regardless of their societal position. 

Aside from the film's raw and impactful commentary, it was undoubtedly entertaining. Although many recognize Scott from her roles in Disney movies like "Aladdin" and "Lemonade Mouth," her standout performance as Skye showcases her range. She breathed a particular vulnerability into her character, and her line delivery was exceptional. 

Despite "Smile 2" being Scott's horror debut, she is clearly in her element. Her performance is dynamic, from facial expressions to moving depictions of mental struggles. The film also displays her singing and dancing abilities, which are unconventional to the genre, but unobjectionable. It's another opportunity to see every facet of Scott's talent.

In addition to the acting and plot, the cinematography is noteworthy in the film's storytelling. Odd camera angles and B-rolls of a flipped New York skyline accentuate Riley's deteriorating mental health and disorienting predicament.   

In many ways, "Smile 2" isn't a run-of-the-mill scary movie.

Sure, there are jumpscares sprinkled throughout and gory death scenes, but the subject matter and cinematography elevate the film's status from the genre. It tackles the complex ramifications of isolation and how lingering suffering can amplify into profound psychological distress. While the message is conveyed through the vehicle of an international pop star, it's sure to deeply resonate with viewers, highlighting its relevance to everyday life.