"Smile 2," the sequel directed by Parker Finn, draws the audience back into a horror-inducing narrative, this time revolving around a pop star. The film maps the journey of dance-queen Skye Riley, strikingly portrayed by British actor and singer Naomi Scott. Scott intricately weaves the story of a celebrity who is grappling with her dark past, her personal demons, and a real demon that has invaded her being.
In "Smile 2," Skye, who was seriously injured in a car crash that also claimed her boyfriend's life, is in the throes of recovery. She is set to launch a triumphant comeback tour, lending the narrative an emotional core. The film provides an unfiltered glimpse into Skye's life and the pressures of being a pop star.
The premise of the sequel escalates from the first installment, where a host-hopping demon possessed individuals, leading them to sinister ends. "Smile 2" amplifies this horror element while simultaneously casting light on the everyday horrors of life in the limelight.
Through Scott's portrayal, "Smile 2" explores how the fame and glamour associated with being a pop star often mask the individual's struggles. As Scott's character contends with external and internal monsters, her life and career start unraveling, perceived as a meltdown by those around her.
Despite witnessing Skye’s unraveling first-hand, her audience remains oblivious to her clash with the demon, considering her actions to be symptomatic of the pressures of stardom. This reflects how the entertainment industry often overlooks the mental health of its stars, attributing their struggles to the demands of celebrity life.
However, "Smile 2" loses its grip during the climax, descending into body-horror and illogicality, leaving viewers perplexed. Parker Finn's growing infatuation with the "Smile" universe and its mythology leads the film astray and dilutes the potent narrative force.
Yet, in its exploration of the uncanny domain of pop stardom, the unsettling aspects of celebrity-life, and the far-reaching impact of personal trauma, "Smile 2" delivers some genuinely riveting moments. Offering a blend of horror and a stark portrayal of fame, "Smile 2" engages the audience in an intriguing mishmash of reality and delusion, showing how one can easily blur into the other.
