“Smile 2”: A deep dive into pop stardom through the lens of horror
Exploring the complex life of a pop stardom
Portraying the life of a diva pop star convincingly is no easy feat. Movies attempting this often struggle against the backdrop of real-life counterparts. Previous efforts, like the collaboration between The Brutalist director and a top-tier actress in Vox Lux, only partially succeeded. Lady Gaga, in A Star Is Born, struck the right balance by playing a character rather than herself, creating an enduring role. Recently, some directors have tried to blend real experiences with fiction, like the famous filmmaker allowing his musician daughter to embody a pop singer in Trap. This brings us to Parker Finn’s sequel, Smile 2, which ambitiously centers around a pop star.
The unsettling premise of “Smile”
The original Smile was a freaky horror where a demon caused its hosts to break down and flash a sinister smile before committing suicide, passing the curse to the next witness. Its premise, though convoluted, made sense as a tribute to films like It Follows and the ’80s thriller The Hidden. Despite its vivid staging, Smile often felt like a platform for gruesome deaths and eerie grins.
Watch the latest trailer for “Smile 2” for a glimpse into the haunting continuation of this narrative.
A fresh narrative with “Smile 2”
Smile 2 stands apart, infusing horror with a genuine emotional core. Centering around Skye Riley, a dance-queen idol played with impressive authenticity by British actor Naomi Scott, the movie takes a deep dive into the turbulence of pop stardom. A year ago, Skye was injured in a car crash under the influence, leading to her recovery and an impending comeback tour. Her reintroduction to the audience on Drew, complete with a new look and demeanor, sets the stage for her struggle.
The demanding life behind the glamour
The film adheres to Skye’s perspective, taking us through rehearsals, costume changes, and interactions with her parasitic manager mother, played by Rosemarie DeWitt. Skye’s compulsive behaviors and the fan frenzy highlight the constant pressure of maintaining a corporate image. Here, Smile 2 reveals that being a pop star today is an unending exercise in branding and image management.
Emotional and psychological torment
As Skye grapples with a demon and the memories of her tragic accident, her life begins to unravel. To everyone else, it appears she’s merely losing her sanity. Parker Finn cleverly turns pop fame into a form of madness, making reality feel like a hallucination. This horror parable suggests that the pressures of pop stardom can indeed drive a person to the edge.
Intense sequences of terror
The terrifying elements kick off when Skye visits an old acquaintance, who, under the influence of drugs, meets a grisly end, passing the demon to Skye once more. Her reconnection with a past friend leads to another shuddery scene, revealing that the horrific Smile can appear unexpectedly, adding a layer of unpredictability and fear.
The breaking point
During a children’s benefit event, Skye’s encounter with the apparition of her deceased boyfriend triggers a breakdown. The surreal and frightening scenes, like her lashing out on stage, emphasize her deteriorating mental state. Cristobal Tapia de Veer’s electronic score amplifies these moments, keeping the audience on edge.
A nuanced portrayal of a pop star’s struggles
Naomi Scott delivers a nuanced performance, making Skye’s struggle against both human and supernatural forces compelling. The story builds sympathy for Skye, shedding light on the isolating nature of her stardom despite being surrounded by people. The narrative’s descent into horror becomes more tangible due to this emotional depth.
The climax and its aftermath
As Skye follows through on a risky plan to defeat the demon, the film stretches into a chaotic climax, blending body horror with surrealism. The intense and illogical final sequences reflect Finn’s immersion in the mythology he created, leaving the audience with a head-scratching ending.
Smile 2 successfully balances horror with an exploration of the complexities of pop stardom, making it a thought-provoking sequel. For those fascinated by the intersection of fame and horror, this film offers an unsettling yet captivating experience.
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