Smile 2 Movie Review: Naomi Scott Excels in Parker Finn’s Latest Film

The psychological thriller, Smile 2, marks the second installment in the critically acclaimed Smile series and made its theatrical debut in the United States on October 18, 2024. Since its launch, the film has garnered largely favorable reviews from audiences, with many asserting that this sequel surpasses its predecessor.

Naomi Scott’s portrayal of Skye Riley serves as a standout element of Smile 2, complemented by the film’s compelling narrative and striking cinematography. From depicting moments of joy tinged with madness to expressing profound grief intertwined with existential uncertainty, Naomi shines brightly throughout this film, establishing it as a must-see for viewers.

Disclaimer: This article includes spoilers and represents the opinions of the author.

Naomi Scott delivers an outstanding performance as Skye Riley in Smile 2

Skye Riley, played by Naomi Scott, is a pivotal aspect of what draws audiences to Smile 2. Right from the film’s outset, her performance captivates, even prior to her confrontation with the malevolent entity.

Scott adeptly navigates the complexities of Skye’s profession, the constant pressure of maintaining relevance, and the shadows of her past traumas through her masterful representation of the character.

Through her character’s journey, she also delves into the terror of being overwhelmed by an unknown force and unpacks the complex emotions intertwined with such experiences.

One of the film’s most powerful moments occurs when Skye grapples with her reality during a stint in rehab. Here, a haunting vision of her mother appears to take her own life using a shard of glass.

Yet, Skye soon realizes that she is the one gripping the bloody fragment. This revelation leads her to understand that her mind is being manipulated by an external force. The pure dread reflected in her expression, born from her inability to control her thoughts and their dangerous potential, is truly exceptional.

Smile 2 lays the foundation for potential future sequels

The finale of Smile 2 suggests that Skye ultimately took her own life using a microphone after partaking in various troubling actions leading up to that moment.

However, the series of events preceding the tragedy has led many viewers to theorize that the film’s conclusion is more layered than it initially seems, offering a deeper level of ambiguity than audiences may realize.

For instance, while it was assumed that Skye’s mother had died at Skye’s hands in the latter part of the film, the closing scenes hint that she may still be alive, evident by her presence in the audience at Skye’s concert.

Considering the distortion of Skye’s mother’s reality presented at the end, could it be that Skye’s perception was also manipulated? Perhaps she is still alive, and what was shown to the concertgoers and viewers at home was merely a manifestation of hallucinations or supernatural experiences that Skye endured. This intricate blending of reality and illusion leaves viewers in a state of bewilderment.

In this context, a third movie in the Smile franchise might provide clarity regarding Skye’s ultimate fate and beyond.

Currently, Smile 2 is being screened in theaters nationwide across the United States.

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