Smile 2: Breaking Records with an Unforgettable Sequel

Spoiler Alert: This article reveals spoilers for Smile, a horror movie directed by Parker Finn. After the success of his 2020 short film Laura Hasn't Slept, Finn's talent for crafting powerful and terrifying stories was evident. In September 2022, he released his debut horror feature Smile to critical acclaim and widespread praise. Audiences captivated by the film were particularly impressed by Sosie Bacon's outstanding performance as the protagonist, Rose Cotter, a woman grappling with a devastating curse and deep-rooted family trauma.

Now, with the exciting news that Smile 2 is in the works, horror enthusiasts eagerly anticipate what the sequel will bring. While specific details about the storyline have yet to be divulged, there are certain elements Smile 2 can incorporate to emulate the success and impact achieved by Finn's inaugural film.

How Did Smile End?

In the horror genre, there are countless frightening smiles, but the eerie grins depicted in Smile truly stand out. The demon's expression at the end of the film is undeniably one of the most chilling in the entire movie. As Rose finds herself at her family home, Joel, desperately attempting to rescue her, arrives. Unfortunately, the damage has already been done and the curse is fully unleashed. It is evident that Joel is overwhelmed with guilt and anguish for the pain Rose has endured and continues to suffer, as his remorse is visible on his face.

Rose comes face to face with the Smile demon, a semi-humanoid entity with a monstrous mouth filled with multiple jaws. Among the many horrifying demons in the realm of horror movies, the Smile entity ranks among the most horrifying. The sheer grotesqueness of their appearance makes it almost unbearable to gaze upon them. As the demon takes control of Rose's body and mind, Joel witnesses the horrifying sight of her setting herself ablaze. This marks the moment that Joel becomes cursed as well. The conclusion, which delivers a powerful punch, demonstrates Joel's realization that no matter what he did or said, he could not escape the curse.

As Rose and Joel have spent time together in Smile, Joel discovers that Rose has struggled with overcoming the loss of her mother. Now that he will encounter eerie grins everywhere he goes and share in Rose's experiences, he will gain a deeper understanding of her. While other horror movies often end with shocking plot twists, like Dead Ringers, Smile remains focused on the emotional journey of its main characters. Both Rose and Joel, having endured painful and unsettling experiences, understand the difficulty of truly moving on and constantly being haunted by memories.

What Can Smile 2 Do To Top The Original?

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With its exceptional craftsmanship and gripping narrative, Smile 2 is set to deliver a spine-chilling horror experience akin to its predecessor. Boasting the directorial prowess of Parker Finn, a highly skilled and acclaimed figure in the horror genre, the film promises to captivate audiences with its unique perspective and intelligent storytelling. Following the success of Finn's previous work, the chilling short film Laura Hasn't Slept, horror enthusiasts eagerly await his foray into feature-length horror filmmaking. Given the overwhelming acclaim garnered by Smile, a 2022 horror sensation, the anticipation surrounding Smile 2 is palpable.

To surpass the original, Smile 2 should enhance the effective elements of its predecessor. Firstly, it should delve deeper into the history of the curse, satisfying the audience's curiosity about its origins and the past victims. This will not only make the sequel distinct, but also more captivating.

Similarly, Smile 2 must select a compelling protagonist and develop their character as Smile did with Rose Cotter. As trauma is the core theme of Smile, the story revolves around Rose's complex emotions regarding her mother's death and her strained relationship with her sister Holly. Considering that Smile concludes with Rose passing the curse to Kyle, he could potentially be the central character in the sequel. To create an engaging narrative, Smile 2 would need to explore the pain and struggles Kyle has endured. Alternatively, the sequel might introduce an entirely new character, set several years or even a decade in the future. As long as this character is memorable and fitting for a horror movie protagonist, the impact should remain strong.

To ensure the success of Smile 2 matches that of its predecessor, the horror sequel must intensify the fear factor associated with the Smile entity. Although the element of surprise that made the ending of Smile so effective will be absent in the sequel, there are ample opportunities to further develop the demon by leveraging the initial ideas, hard work, and imaginative vision.