SPOILER NOTICE:

The following movie review does not contain direct spoilers for the film Smile 2, however general information in regards to the plot, characters, key climax points,
prior films in the franchise and themes explored in the film will be heavily discussed.
Please read at your own discretion, or after seeing the film in theaters

The life of a pop star can be terrifying — the stage fright, the stalking fans, the menacing paparazzi and even crueler press can sound like a horror movie within itself. However, we can only hope the likes of Rihanna, Beyoncé and rising stars of today like Tyla aren’t being harassed by an ominous entity dead set on getting them to end it all in the worst way possible.

Unfortunately, that’s the exact fate of troubled pop sensation Skye Riley in Paramount Pictures’ chillingly intense new horror film Smile 2 officially in theaters today. Continuing the viral craze of the first film that took over 2022, this direct sequel may very well challenge what even true gore fans are able to withstand — right on time for spooky season, no less!

Just see what Angela Yee had to say about Smile 2 below at an early screening we were graciously invited to attend recently in NYC:

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From jump, Smile 2 takes a no-holds-barred approach in delivering on the jump-scares, hair-raising suspense and, most vividly, excruciating death scenes. Due to the general nature of the Smile curse, which explicitly dives into the touchy realm of suicide, it’s a film we highly recommend be watched only if you truly feel up to bare it mentally. As those who saw the first film are well aware, there isn’t much censorship in how it happens when the curse takes its toll on the victim. The opening scene of Smile 2 establishes both the bloody gore you’ll experience for the next two hours in addition to how it all connects to the real story ahead.

Riley, played by real-life singer/actress Naomi Scott (Charlie’s Angels, Aladdin), carries the main arc and blunt of abuse in Smile 2. As we mentioned above, the “GRAMMY-winning” triple threat has real-life issues to deal with stemming from substance abuse recovery in the public eye and a tragic event that acts as a Domino effect towards her confrontation with the curse. From the moment that it’s passed on to her, you’re brought on a visual experience that can feel unsettling on more occasions than one and, again, is not for the faint of heart. Those who are fans of the gore subgenre will definitely get their fill with room for seconds. In short, the psychological destruction of Skye Riley can feel almost unbearable to watch while simultaneously delivering a thing of Halloween dreams.

Scott is joined by a cast equally dedicated to their respective roles, including Rosemarie DeWitt as the ill-fated momager, Miles Gutierrez-Riley adding much-needed comedic relief as the pushy assistant, Dylan Gelula in the climax-twisting role of distant best friend and Lukas Gage as the drug-dealing acquaintance who sets this whole gory story into motion.

We’ll stop short of spoiling how it all ends, but just remember this: one of the greatest lessons you can learn from Smile 2 is the extreme influence that pop stars have and how detrimental it can potentially be.

Kick off your Halloween movie marathon and spooky season screenings by heading out to see Smile 2 in theaters today. Do your best to watch the trailer below without covering your eyes:

For Your Information:
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Dial 988
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a trained listener, call 988. Visit 988lifeline.org for crisis chat services or for more information.

Crisis Text Line
Text SAVE to 741741
The Crisis Text Line is a texting service for emotional crisis support. To text with a trained helper, text SAVE to 741741. It is free, available 24/7, and confidential.

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