Movie Review: Smile (2024)

Title: Smile
Director: Parker Finn
Cast: Sosie Bacon, Kyle Gallner, Caitlin Stasey, Rob Morgan
Genre: Horror, Psychological Thriller
Runtime: [Insert Runtime]

Release Date: [18th October 2024]

IMDB Rating: [7.1/10]

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Plot Summary:

Smile (2024) follows Dr. Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon), a psychiatrist who becomes entangled in a terrifying supernatural force after a patient commits suicide while warning her about a malevolent entity. As Rose digs deeper into the mystery, she discovers that the force that killed her patient now haunts her, taking the form of twisted, eerie smiles. As her reality unravels, Rose must race against time to understand the curse before it claims her.

Review:

Smile (2024) builds upon the unnerving foundation laid by its predecessor in 2022, expanding its psychological horror elements into a full-fledged, terrifying exploration of trauma, fear, and the instability of the mind. Director Parker Finn brings back the unsettling tension of the first film while deepening the psychological and supernatural aspects of the story.

Performances:

Sosie Bacon shines in her portrayal of Dr. Rose Cotter. Her emotional journey from skeptic to terrified victim is both believable and heartbreaking. Bacon's ability to portray fear and confusion as Rose's grip on reality loosens is the core of the film's success. The supporting cast, including Kyle Gallner and Rob Morgan, provide solid performances, grounding the story even as the terror escalates.

Direction & Cinematography:

Parker Finn expertly maintains the tension throughout the film. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the suspense to build in ways that are both subtle and intense. Cinematographer Charlie Sarroff makes excellent use of framing, shadows, and reflections to create a sense of unease. The frequent use of close-ups and distorted angles mirrors Rose's fractured mental state, contributing to the film’s disorienting atmosphere.

Horror & Atmosphere:

While Smile (2024) does feature traditional jump scares, it excels in creating a creeping sense of dread that slowly sinks into the viewer’s mind. The recurring motif of unsettling smiles is a stroke of brilliance, turning an everyday gesture into a symbol of terror. The film’s horror is deeply psychological, with the fear stemming from the uncertainty of what’s real versus what’s imagined.

Themes:

At its heart, Smile (2024) is about the trauma that lingers and the psychological breakdown that can follow. It examines how unresolved emotional pain can manifest in disturbing ways, leading to a warped perception of reality. The film also touches on themes of isolation and the fear of losing control, both mentally and physically, in a world that no longer feels safe.

Score & Sound Design:

The score by [Insert Composer Name] is minimalistic yet haunting, effectively amplifying the tension. The sound design plays a crucial role in heightening the suspense, with sharp, dissonant sounds that keep the viewer on edge. Silence is often as effective as noise in creating an atmosphere of dread.

Final Thoughts:

Smile (2024) is a powerful psychological horror sequel that manages to expand on its predecessor’s chilling premise. With strong performances, especially from Sosie Bacon, and a tense atmosphere that keeps you guessing, the film is a standout in the genre. While it doesn't shy away from supernatural elements, the real horror comes from its portrayal of mental unraveling, making it not just a typical jump-scare fest but a film that lingers long after the credits roll.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

A solid, terrifying sequel that builds on its predecessor’s success with a more complex story and even more disturbing visuals. Smile (2024) is a must-see for fans of psychological horror.

Pros:

  • Strong performance by Sosie Bacon
  • Intense, atmospheric direction
  • Psychological horror that lingers
  • Creative use of unsettling imagery (the smile)

Cons:

  • Some may find the pacing slow in certain stretches
  • Occasional reliance on traditional horror tropes