Smile 2 is a wonderfully unsettling sequel, even if it stumbles a bit with pacing. While the beginning is slower than I would have liked, once the film gets going, it doesn’t let up. In fact, it’s an even more visceral and terrifying experience than its predecessor, taking the haunting concept of the first film and ramping up the intensity in a way that’s both relentless and deeply disturbing.

Naomi Scott absolutely shines in the lead role of pop star, Skye Riley, delivering a performance that’s nothing short of remarkable. She showcases incredible range, taking us on a journey through every imaginable emotion—fear, anger, grief, and despair—while never missing a beat. Her portrayal grounds the horror in genuine human experience, making it all the more impactful as the terrifying entity encroaches on her world. Scott’s performance is the emotional anchor of the film, and it’s one of the best I’ve seen in - and out - of the genre this year.

Where Smile 2 stands out is in its willingness to go darker and more serious than the original. While it’s an entertaining and well-crafted horror film, I wouldn’t call it “fun” in the traditional sense. This movie doesn’t let up, delivering a gut punch of a story that goes beyond jump scares and dives into real emotional and psychological trauma. Like the first film, it’s a meditation not only on mental health but also on addiction and recovery, with the metaphorical elements playing a huge role in how the story unfolds. The beauty of the film lies in its ambiguity. Whether the events are real or a manifestation of the protagonist’s spiraling mental state is left up to the viewer’s interpretation until the horrifying entity’s physical appearance towards the end. (Though even then, you could make the argument it's all a figment of Naomi's spiraling mental state.) And speaking of that ending - I hope this film does well and the next installment capitalizes on the promise of this movie's conclusion. 

Despite how good the film is, its pacing and length keep it from reaching greatness. At times, the film feels stretched a little too thin, and some scenes - specifically the rehearsal stuff - drag on longer than necessary. The slow burn at the beginning could have been tighter, though as I said above, once the tension ramps up, it becomes a relentless rollercoaster ride of fear. Even with all of these flaws, however, Smile 2 is a worthy sequel, delivering a satisfying continuation of the first film’s story, themes, and atmosphere.

I can’t wait to watch this again once it hits streaming and add it to my annual Spooky Season rotation. It may not reach the perfect heights of some horror classics, but it’s definitely one of the better offerings in the genre this year and one that will stay with you long after the credits roll.