‘Smile 2’ is bloodier, scarier with some catchy tunes

CEBU, Philippines — If the 2022 horror film “Smile” had stayed a Paramount+ streaming exclusive (a platform that is still not available in the Philippines), it might never have gotten a sequel. Thanks to positive test screenings, Paramount Pictures pivoted and released it in theaters where it earned $200 million at the box office. With that kind of number, a sequel was inevitable.

Now that “Smile 2” is designed for a cinematic release, director-writer Parker Finn expanded its concept and doubled down on the madness – centering the story on a larger-than-life pop star, played by British actress Naomi Scott.

Scott is Skye Riley, who is preparing for a concert tour while recovering from a car accident a year ago that took the life of her boyfriend and actor Paul Hudson (Ray Nicholson) during a drug-fueled argument.

Barely keeping it together, Riley meets up with her friend and drug dealer Lewis (Lukas Gage), who has the medication she needs for a lingering back pain. Things go sideways when Lewis, a victim of the Smile curse, kills himself in front of her. Now cursed herself, Riley has seven days to break free, as the entity feeds on her trauma from the accident and celebrity burnout.

“Smile 2” picks up from the story of Joel (Kyle Gallner) from the previous film, who is still haunted by the death of his former lover Rose (Sosie Bacon), after witnessing her self-immolation under the curse’s control.

The Smile demon is more sadistic and calculated than ever, knowing exactly how to push Riley toward the brink of insanity, where she alone can see it and everyone else might see her as relapsing.

While some could argue that monsters, like the Xenomorph from the Alien franchise, could be seen as simply programmed to kill for survival, the sequel confirms that the Smile entity is truly sinister in its intentions. It thrives in manipulating its victims by using their traumas like toys, showcasing a level of genuine malice.

If Riley feels like a real pop star, that’s all because of Scott’s brilliance. The “Aladdin” actress embodies her character so well that viewers can’t help but root for her to survive the curse. A particular highlight is when the demon taunts Riley during a dinner gala, a performance so intense and real that it should earn Scott an Oscar nod – if only the Academy took horror as a genre seriously.

Scott also sells Riley’s stage presence, belting out catchy pop hits with perfect pop vocals and dancing. Audiences will likely add her songs to their playlists, especially with the “Smile 2: The Skye Riley EP” soundtrack now streaming on music platforms, ironically a collection of bops for an otherwise dark movie.

With the film set in the backdrop of a concert tour, it’s hard to ignore parallels with last year’s tours by Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, though Riley’s character feels more Lady Gaga-esque. “Smile 2” also shares similarities with this year’s horror movie “Trap” by M. Night Shyamalan, though the plotlines are quite different, especially in how each story approaches its protagonist.

Throughout its two-hour runtime, Finn doesn’t miss a beat in amplifying tension, using Riley’s larger-than-life world to heighten the suspense. The jump scares are intense enough, with the level of gore and the amount of blood that justifies its R-18 rating in the Philippines.

While some may have an idea how the film might end with its pop star concept, Finn keeps the journey engaging and throws in enough twists to surprise viewers, proving his skill as an effective horror storyteller who knows how to go beyond expectations.

Since “Smile” was initially meant for streaming, it now feels more low-key by comparison. “Smile 2” is crafted for the big screen, or at the very least, to be watched with friends. Finn’s compelling storytelling, Scott’s standout performance, and well-executed scares make it a must-watch – undoubtedly leaving audiences eager for the next chapter. Four stars out of five. — (FREEMAN)