Review: Smile 2 (2024) – A Sinister Grin Worth Showing Off

By Seth Metoyer,

Parker Finn’s Smile 2  isn’t just a sequel—it’s an unrelenting, nerve-shredding showcase of what makes modern horror great. Right off the bat, this film establishes itself as one of the best horror movies of the year, though not without its imperfections. But really, what horror film is perfect?

Picking up the torch from its predecessor, Smile 2 delves deeper into the sinister curse that thrives on trauma, fear, and despair. Skye (Naomi Scott), a grieving artist battling her own inner demons, becomes the latest victim in the ever-widening ripple effect of this malevolent force. As she races to uncover its origin and break the cycle, the line between reality and nightmare blurs, culminating in a finale as grotesque as it is polarizing.

Finn proves yet again that he’s a director to be reckoned with, delivering an opening scene that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. Cold, brittle, and masterfully shot, the opening sets the tone for the dread-soaked experience to follow. The eerie score—haunting yet understated—only heightens the tension, making it impossible to look away. Seriously, Hollywood, how has this guy not been snatched up for another major project between Smile and Smile 2? What are we doing here?

The real crown jewel of Smile 2, though, is Naomi Scott as Skye. Her performance is nothing short of magnetic, elevating the film from a solid sequel to an unforgettable one. Scott, who previously dazzled in Aladdin (2019) (yes, I just referenced Aladdin in a horror review), steals every scene she’s in. Her ability to convey raw vulnerability while exuding strength is a rare treat, especially in the horror genre, which often sidelines its actresses into predictable tropes. Watching Scott in this role feels like a privilege, and it’s exciting to think about where her career will take her next.

Adding depth to the ensemble is Ray Nicholson as Skye’s boyfriend, a character whose presence is brief but impactful. With his devilish grin—a nod to his father, Jack Nicholson—and surprising emotional range, Nicholson delivers a standout moment in a single car scene that lingers long after the credits roll. There’s a bit of Leonardo DiCaprio in his vibe, and it’s clear he’s someone to watch. Meanwhile, Lukas Gage injects some much-needed levity with his energetic performance, adding a spark to the darker moments.

On the flip side, Rosemarie DeWitt takes on the thankless task of playing a character designed to irritate—and she nails it. While I’ve never been much of a fan (looking at you, United States of Tara and Poltergeist 2015), her turn here works because we aren’t necessarily supposed to like her. It’s a begrudging win in my book.

For all its strengths, Smile 2 isn’t without flaws. The runtime, clocking in at over two hours, feels bloated. A tighter edit could have trimmed 10-15 minutes of drag, especially in scenes that belabor their points. And while the special effects are mostly solid, the creature reveal in the finale feels like a misstep. As much as I dug the "Lovecraftian" nod, the reliance on CGI in this critical moment undercuts the visceral terror that had been building, leaving a mixed impression that dampens the climax.

Despite these quibbles, Smile 2 is a triumph of writing, acting, and filmmaking. Finn balances genuine scares with an unsettling atmosphere, creating a film that’s as cerebral as it is terrifying. And above all, it’s fun as hell. Smile wide—this one’s worth it.

Rating: 4.2/5