Smile 2 (2024) Review: A Haunting and Beautiful Sequel

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Written by Carson J. Kelly

Finished Watching: April 27, 2025

After starting Smile 2 a few weeks to a couple of months ago, I finally crossed the finish line and wow, what a film.

Directed once again by Parker Finn, Smile 2 builds on the eerie foundation of the first movie, but takes it in a much more psychological, trippy, and emotionally intense direction. It’s a sequel that manages to feel fresh without abandoning what made the original so effective,
and in some ways, it even surpasses it.

First and foremost, Naomi Scott absolutely shines in this film. She delivers a gripping, emotional performance that truly anchors the story. From her raw vulnerability to her fierce moments of terror and confusion, Scott proves herself as a perfect lead for this next chapter of the Smile saga. The supporting cast is equally fantastic, giving the story layers of humanity and tension that really pull you in.

The music throughout Smile 2 is stunning, haunting, beautiful, and at times even soothing in an eerie way. The score feels thoughtfully composed to guide the emotional highs and devastating lows of the narrative. It elevates the movie’s atmosphere even further, especially in scenes that feel almost dreamlike in their horror.

Speaking of which, Smile 2 is a mind trip in the best way possible. There are sequences so surreal and disorienting that you can’t help but feel like you're trapped inside the character's unraveling mind. The film maintains the creeping dread of the original but adds a layer of psychological chaos that I really enjoyed.

Regarding gore and horror elements, Smile 2 strikes a near-perfect balance. It’s not overly gory for the sake of shock value. Instead, the violence and horror feel earned and restrained, making the moments of brutality even more impactful when they occur. It's clean, focused, and never messy, which I personally appreciate when it comes to horror storytelling.

As someone who really enjoys this emerging Smile universe, I hope a third installment is on the horizon. If they announce Smile 3, I’ll be there on opening day without hesitation.

Overall, Smile 2 easily surpassed my expectations. It wasn’t flawless, as I always say, nothing ever truly is but for the horror genre, it hit all the right notes for me. Strong writing, great pacing, memorable characters, chilling atmosphere, and enough surprises to keep me guessing.

My Score: 8/10

This sequel proves that Smile isn’t just a one-hit wonder—it's a horror franchise with real staying power, and I’m excited to see what terrifying smiles the future might hold.



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