Smile 2 takes the foundation of its predecessor and runs with it, offering a premise that lends itself to endless possibilities. The filmmakers made a unique choice by centering the story around the descent into madness of a pop star, giving the psychological horror a fresh angle. This creative decision keeps the narrative compelling, especially with the main actor delivering an outstanding performance, fully capturing the unraveling of the character's mind on screen.
Visually, the film excels. It's well shot, with a stunning opening sequence that immediately sets an unsettling tone-a mood that persists throughout the entire movie. The tension never truly lets up, which keeps you on edge from start to finish. The gore is another highlight, unapologetically upfront, making sure those moments are as visceral and disturbing as they need to be for the story.
However, the supporting cast doesn't add much to the overall narrative. In fact, a late addition to the story introduces an eye-rolling amount of exposition, which feels unnecessary and jarringly pulls away from the madness that had been steadily building throughout the film. This shift undercuts the psychological intensity that the movie had worked so hard to establish. While the supporting characters may not be memorable, the film still manages to maintain its suspense thanks to its strong lead and striking visuals.
