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In the era of new releases arriving every week on OTT platforms, movies hardly stay on trend for a week or two. However, this two-year-old movie attained wide acclaim after it was released in the digital space. In recent years, the horror and supernatural genres have been gaining significant buzz among the audience, and this film is no different.
Released in 2024, this 2-hour, 7-minute-long film follows a young woman who blames herself for her boyfriend’s accidental death, causing her to fall into depression. The supernatural psychological horror film is directed by Parker Finn. Very few people know that the film is a sequel to a popular 2022 horror film.
The film we are talking about is Smile 2, which is currently trending on Netflix. The film is a sequel to the 2022 film Smile and stars Naomi Scott, Rosemarie DeWitt, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, and Kyle Gallner in leading roles. Smile 2 had its theatrical release in October 2024 and received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences.
As per reports, Smile 2 grossed $138.1 million worldwide and received multiple accolades and nominations. The film received four nominations at the 52nd Saturn Awards, including Best Horror Film and Best Actress for Naomi Scott and additional Best Actress nods for Scott at the 8th Astra Film Awards and 5th Critics’ Choice Super Awards. As per reports, another sequel is in development.
Smile 2 follows global pop sensation Skye Riley (played by Naomi Scott), who, while preparing for a comeback tour after a tragic accident, becomes the target of a terrifying supernatural entity. After witnessing her drug dealer’s brutal suicide, the curse passes to her. Skye, who is still struggling with guilt over a car crash that killed her boyfriend, Paul, starts getting severe hallucinations which force her to face her past traumas.
Naomi Scott received massive praise for her performance in the film. Previously, during an interview with Forbes, Scott talked about her decision of doing the film and revealed, “I am completely genre-agnostic, and Smile 2 felt like it was an opportunity. After seeing the first movie, it was very clear to me that it was a film that centres on character.”
She further added, “In Parker’s Smile movies, the story hinges on the character, and if you take away the horror elements – which I believe only actually adds to the experience of the viewer but also the conversation itself and the entertainment – it really plays as a drama.” Scott further shared that she wanted a challenge and a complex character.
“What I have really wanted is to be able to sink my teeth into, and these types of roles don’t come along super-often,” Scott shared, adding, “Sometimes they do, but it’s not meant for you and you miss out on it. I felt like a dog with a bone with this one, though, where I just wanted it after reading the script.”
Smile 2 further delves into the themes of the toxic pressures of fame and mental health, blurring the fine line between reality and hallucination. The film received a 6.7 IMDb rating out of 10. As per reports, Smile 2 is currently trending at number 5 on Netflix. The digital re-release of the film helped the franchise to reach a wider audience, adding to its success.
As per recent reports, Dread Central confirmed that a third instalment in the Smile franchise is currently under production. However, the franchise creator and director Parker Finn is reportedly not going to direct the upcoming instalment. According to insider Jeff Sneider, Parker Finn is unlikely to get back behind the camera for Smile 3. However, no official statement has been released by the makers yet.
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