I think Smile breathed new life into the horror genre with its theme of smiles in horror movies. After meeting a cursed, annoying smile, the sequel was already among the most anticipated.
While we were wondering if it would happen or not, 2024 was the year when the curiosity was satisfied and Smile 2 was released. The frightening effects of a cursed smile were used as much as possible in the sequel, going deeper into the story and immersing the audience in supernatural psychological tension.
We know from the first movie that this was successful. It would be surprising not only if the success story continues, but if it doesn't.
I can say that Smile 2, as the main story, is about the struggle of a group of people trying to get rid of the effects of the supernatural curse in the first movie.
Does the story pick up where it left off? Yes and no. The yes part is because the curse of the smile is used in more detail in the sequel. The no part is the presence of new characters who are introduced to the cursed effect from the first movie and their unique lives.
Of course, I would like to remind you that these are just my opinions and you don't have to agree with them. Our opinions may differ after viewing.
The curse, which causes spiritual destruction, also causes physical destruction. As the moments when the characters are affected by the curse are detailed step by step, the audience is drawn into the story and the atmosphere of fear is successfully created.
And you can't get out of the atmosphere because every time, the curse and that annoying smile throws you into the middle of the story.
I'm sure audiences loyal to the horror genre will enjoy this.
As in many sequels, our main character has a trauma from the past. The way the moments of confronting the trauma and the efforts to get rid of the curse are superimposed and used in the progression of the story makes the movie more successful than it is.
Sometimes small details make a movie better than it is, while productions that are overwhelmed with too many details look worse than they are. In Smile 2, I can say that everything is dosed just right. I can't say that any scene is too elaborate or incomplete.
The story is more complex than the first movie. This makes the movie more gripping, but on condition that you don't get disconnected from the story.
The mystery of the curse in the first movie is partially removed and the story is unified in a way that satisfies the audience. However, for those who have not seen the first movie, the story may be too complicated and you may experience disconnections.
The only way around this is to watch Smile before Smile 2. For those who have forgotten, you can also rewind the story.
Naomi Scott, who gives life to the character of Skye Riley, whose performance I found very convincing with the way she displays fear and desperation, captures and reflects her great acting momentum. The moments when the character is in it and the curse is on display were definitely worth seeing.
Attention, the moments of smiling contain some fear! Lol
I can say that the superior success of the characters in reflecting the scary, dark and gloomy atmosphere contributes to the tension and horror aspect of the movie. As someone who has seen both movies, I think the smile theme is used more creatively in Smile 2 and is effective thanks to the increasing rhythm of the music.
If the aim is to scare, yes, the feeling of fear is created in excess. If the aim is to make the audience tense, the element of tension is supported by scenes where the silence is suddenly broken.
I think that both Smile and Smile 2 bring together innovative ideas and achieve satisfying results. It definitely offers a pleasant viewing for those who love the horror genre. For those who do not like the horror genre, it gives the perception that they may be right. Especially for those who watched the first movie and liked it, it offers a completely different narrative.
I recommend you to watch Smile 2 with its deep narrative and complex story focusing on psychological fear. Keeping the lights on or off while watching the movie can reduce or increase the momentum of fear. The decision will depend entirely on what you want.
Thank you for being here and reading. Take care and goodbye!