I wasn’t initially drawn to the Smile franchise that debuted on September 22, 2022, as it didn’t really spark my interest. However, Smile 2, released on October 18, 2024, brings an entirely different energy. 

The film follows Skye Riley, a Grammy-winning pop star gearing up for a comeback tour after facing some dark times. Skye is haunted by guilt from a car crash she caused while under the influence, which left her with lasting injuries and a dependence on prescription meds. When her meds don’t numb her pain enough, she turns to a friend for stronger substances. One night, that friend’s behavior takes a sinister turn he becomes aggressive, threatens her with a knife, and ultimately ends his life while smiling in an eerie, unsettling way.

After witnessing this, Skye starts having terrifying visions of people smiling at her in the same disturbing way, though she doesn’t yet realize she’s under a curse. Desperate, she reaches out to her estranged best friend for support, but things only spiral further.

I’d rate Smile 2 a solid 5/5 for its intense psychological horror. Naomi Scott’s performance is particularly stellar, adding depth to the character of Skye. Many viewers have praised the film for its suspense and Scott’s portrayal, with one reviewer calling it “a haunting masterpiece that keeps you on edge from start to finish.” For fans of the genre, this is a must-watch.