The Chilling Revelation: Unveiling the Sinister True Form of the Smile Demon

Parker Finn's 2022 debut, Smile, has become one of the most widely discussed horror films in recent years. It is based on Finn's short film Laura Hasn't Slept and revolves around therapist Rose Cotter (portrayed by Sosie Bacon), who continues to grapple with the trauma of her mother's passing. As Rose's life becomes consumed by a chilling curse that compels her to witness people adorned with unnerving grins, she realizes that she is at the mercy of an inexplicable force.

Smile not only garnered attention prior to its theatrical release but also raked in an impressive $217 million in the box office. This success can be attributed, in part, to a clever marketing campaign that featured strangers exhibiting eerie smiles during baseball games. The true form of the Smile demon is both staggering and impactful, which may serve as inspiration for other horror filmmakers.

The Smile Demon's True Form Is Terrifying

The Smile demon's true form is the stuff of nightmares, leaving Rose speechless when she finally witnesses it in the movie's climax. With the ability to shapeshift into anyone it desires, the entity in Smile haunts Rose throughout the film with a series of unsettling and horrifying grins worn by different individuals.

Given the prevalence of menacing smiles in horror films, the effectiveness of the Smile demon's true form is evident. Before ending someone's life, the demon seeks out individuals who have endured trauma, swiftly taking control over their existence. Similar to the infamous entity in the popular horror movie It Follows, the Smile demon perpetuates its curse by passing it between victims. Regardless of her surroundings or actions, Rose finds herself constantly confronted by strangers and loved ones, all bearing grotesque smiles. As time goes on, coping becomes increasingly challenging for her, highlighting the film's perceptive insight that escaping trauma is only possible through confronting and healing from it.

In her interview with Variety, Sosie Bacon discussed the effectiveness of smiles in the horror genre. According to her, the constant presence of smiles in our daily lives as a symbol of happiness makes it a powerful and iconic image when transformed into a deranged and twisted expression. This shift in perception from something pleasant to something terrifying underscores the value we assign to reality.

The Smile Demon's True Form Can Inspire Other Modern Monster Designs

Numerous exceptional monster films have emerged within the realms of horror and sci-fi, exemplified by myriad adaptations of The Invisible Man. Resonating within this very category is the ghastly Smile demon. The revelation of its authentic manifestation is bound to bestow inspiration upon fellow filmmakers, enabling them to conceive an equally petrifying entity that will eternally haunt the memories of viewers.

The enigmatic nature of the Smile demon sets it apart from other terrifying horror movie demons. Throughout most of the film, its true form remains shrouded in mystery, only revealing itself towards the conclusion when Rose encounters the demon at her mother's house.

This climactic revelation is executed flawlessly, eliciting equal shock and fear from both Rose and the audience. It is during this pivotal moment that viewers discover how the Smile demon exerts its possession: by infiltrating the mouths of its victims and seizing control over their bodies and minds indefinitely. Other horror movies would do well to adopt this approach. While complex backstories for villains can be compelling, it is equally important to divulge all necessary information and intricacies towards the end of the film. This preserves an element of suspense throughout the narrative while ensuring that horror enthusiasts feel ultimately gratified, having obtained all the answers they seek.

Will The Smile Demon's True Form Be Seen Again?

A sequel to Smile is in the works, potentially revealing the true form of the Smile demon to horror fans in the second film. Although the ending of Smile may not allow for a direct continuation of Rose's story, there are still ample possibilities to explore the terrifying potential of the Smile demon's true form. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Parker Finn secured a first-look deal with Paramount Pictures in March 2023, and it was announced at CinemaCon in April 2023 that a Smile sequel is on the horizon. Whether the sequel will follow the surviving characters from the first film or introduce new characters, one thing is certain: the demon will make its ominous return. Such is the unsettling and indelible presence of the Smile entity that it holds the potential to inspire an entire horror franchise.

There are no story details just yet. But, given Smile's successful opening weekend and its high box office gross throughout its entire run, the sequel is sure to be a hit as well.