HerReelReview

First and foremost, let's talk about the fact that Naomi Scott is completely unrecognizable in this role, especially considering her previous performance as Princess Jasmine in Aladdin. That said, she does an incredible job embodying the essence of a pop singer. I couldn’t tell if she was channeling Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, or Billie Eilish, but she definitely nailed the pop numbers in the film’s musical moments. The movie continues with the same themes as the first—an individual under immense pressure and stress, forced to maintain a fake persona to please those around them due to societal expectations. The entity in Smile serves as the embodiment of that pressure. There were genuinely disturbing moments in the film that had me hiding behind my hands. However, there’s also a sequence in the second act that was laugh-out-loud ridiculous—creative, but ridiculous nonetheless.I enjoyed the twists and turns of the third act, even if I’m not 100% satisfied with the ending. Rosemarie DeWitt is fantastic as always, and I definitely wanted more scenes with her and Naomi Scott together. Still, their relationship felt more developed and had more breathing room than the messages in the first. The entity seems to be getting smarter, so I’m curious to see what’s in store for the third installment in this franchise—but I'll definitely be there.

First and foremost, let's talk about the fact that Naomi Scott is completely unrecognizable in this role, especially considering her previous performance as Princess Jasmine in Aladdin. That said, she does an incredible job embodying the essence of a pop singer. I couldn’t tell if she was channeling Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, or Billie Eilish, but she definitely nailed the pop numbers in the film’s musical **** movie continues with the same themes as the first—an individual under immense pressure and stress, forced to maintain a fake persona to please those around them due to societal expectations. The entity in Smile serves as the embodiment of that pressure. There were genuinely disturbing moments in the film that had me hiding behind my hands. However, there’s also a sequence in the second act that was laugh-out-loud ridiculous—creative, but ridiculous nonetheless.I enjoyed the twists and turns of the third act, even if I’m not 100% satisfied with the ending. Rosemarie DeWitt is fantastic as always, and I definitely wanted more scenes with her and Naomi Scott together. Still, their relationship felt more developed and had more breathing room than the messages in the first **** entity seems to be getting smarter, so I’m curious to see what’s in store for the third installment in this franchise—but I'll definitely be there.

I waited a while before sitting down to watch Smile. The initial stills and trailer were certainly disturbing and intriguing, but unfortunately, I just could not find the time. Having just now watched the movie in preparation for its sequel, I’m surprised by the depth of the themes it tackles. The main character, Rose, experiences deep trauma in her past, works with people facing trauma daily, and never receives full support for the scars her own trauma leaves behind. She’s expected to perform, smile, and be polite and pretty. As things begin to fall apart when she encounters the demonic entity, the film reveals that it’s not just dealing with the supernatural—it’s addressing real societal pressures we all face. I can’t help but connect this to the countless times I, as a woman, have been told to smile by strangers on the street, as though I should always have a smile on my face. The jump scares and practical effects in Smile are incredibly engaging, with the body horror being particularly disturbing. Although I wasn’t completely satisfied with the ending, I still enjoyed the overall experience of watching the film. There’s a pivotal scene between Rose and her sister that I wish had lingered longer, as it holds the most weight for the film’s core message. I worry that many viewers might miss this important moment because the scene moves so quickly. Despite this, Smile delivers a powerful commentary on trauma and societal expectations, making it a standout in its genre.