The sinister smiles are back, and this time they’re targeting a pop superstar. With ‘Smile 2’ hitting theaters, critics are sharing their thoughts on how the sequel stacks up against the original 2022 horror hit. Directed and written by Parker Finn, ‘Smile 2’ stars Naomi Scott as Skye Riley, a pop singer trying to reclaim her career after a life-altering car accident—only to find herself haunted by the same demonic force that terrorized Sosie Bacon’s character, Rose, in the first film.
Critics are weighing in, and while ‘Smile 2’ has an 84% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, surpassing the original’s 80%, the reactions have been mixed. Below is a roundup of the reviews, divided into those who loved it, those who felt mixed about it, and those who were decidedly unimpressed.
The Good: Fresh Horror with a Strong Lead Performance
The sequel has found a number of fans, especially those who appreciate Parker Finn’s knack for horror and Naomi Scott’s performance.
- William Bibbiani, The Wrap: “’Smile 2′ is more of the same. A lot more. But it’s just as scary, and this time it’s feistier and funnier, proving that the premise has legs and also some malleability.” Bibbiani clearly enjoyed the return to the unsettling universe of the ‘Smile’ series, even if it leaned heavily on familiar elements. The added humor and an edgier approach seemed to have resonated well.
- Owen Gleiberman, Variety: Gleiberman was impressed by Finn’s ability to blur the lines between reality and nightmare, noting that “the movie is hardly subtle, yet Parker Finn has become a clever enough filmmaker to make reality feel like a hallucination and hallucinations feel like reality.” Though he recognized some of the sequel’s issues, the overall horror experience was enough to earn a fresh review.
- Mark Kennedy, The Associated Press: Kennedy found much to enjoy in ‘Smile 2,’ particularly Naomi Scott’s commanding presence. He wrote, “Over two hours ends up being too long. But [writer-director Parker Finn] has found a great satirical target, given life to a third film easily, and showcased another rising star to watch. That’s a reason to, well, smile about.” Kennedy seems optimistic not just about this installment but about the franchise’s future.
- Whelan Barzey, Time Out: While Barzey preferred the chilling unpredictability of the first film, he still gave the sequel a thumbs-up. “It’s tamer than its deeply unsettling predecessor, but still unhinged enough to keep you nicely on edge,” Barzey remarked, capturing the way ‘Smile 2’ trades some of its raw terror for a slightly more accessible thriller vibe.
The Mixed: Ambitious But Flawed
Some critics found a lot to appreciate but noted issues with pacing and repetition.
- Whelan Barzey, Time Out: As mentioned, Barzey appreciated some aspects of the film but noted that it didn’t quite live up to the first. This is where ‘Smile 2’ seems to have divided critics who were impressed by the original’s intense and harrowing atmosphere.
- Mark Kennedy, The Associated Press: Kennedy’s praise for Naomi Scott and Parker Finn’s direction is tempered by his complaint about the film’s length. At over two hours, he felt that it stretched the material a little thin—though the positives were enough to outweigh the negatives overall.
The Bad: A Step Back for the Franchise?
Not everyone was won over by ‘Smile 2.’ Some critics took issue with its pacing, character focus, and plot development.
- Pete Hammond, Deadline: Hammond was left unimpressed, stating, “’Smile 2′ gets too bogged down with the travails of its lead woman under the influence. By the end, we really are ready to get off this ride.” For Hammond, the film’s focus on Skye’s struggle became repetitive and ultimately exhausting, detracting from the horror experience.
- Tim Grierson, Screen International: Grierson’s critique was even harsher, highlighting flaws in the screenplay. He wrote, “’Smile 2′ has its audacious moments but, as Finn’s script unveils implausible plot twists, this sequel elicits neither terror nor smiles but, rather, shrugs.” For Grierson, the film was missing the suspense and cohesiveness necessary for a satisfying horror sequel.
How Does ‘Smile 2’ Compare to the First Film?
The original ‘Smile’ captivated audiences with its eerie, unexpected scares and Sosie Bacon’s committed performance, culminating in an 80% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The sequel, taking the terrifying entity to the glittering world of pop stardom, seems to have mixed fortunes. While the Tomatometer is currently at 84%, signaling a favorable reception, the individual reviews highlight a film that, depending on who you ask, either expands on the original concept in fun, unsettling ways or falls short in terms of depth and originality.
Where ‘Smile 2’ shines is in Naomi Scott’s portrayal of Skye Riley. Critics are quick to praise her ability to capture a fragile, haunted celebrity caught in a nightmare she can neither escape nor fully understand. Parker Finn’s direction also earns commendations for its inventive scare sequences and ability to create an atmosphere where hallucination and reality seem to blur seamlessly.
However, where ‘Smile 2’ falters, according to its detractors, is in its pacing and overemphasis on its protagonist’s personal struggles. Some felt that the character-driven focus became tedious, especially when compared to the leaner, more intense narrative of the first film. The screenplay also came under fire for leaning on implausible twists that didn’t add much to the horror—instead, leaving some critics shrugging rather than shivering.
Ultimately, ‘Smile 2’ appears to be a divisive film that leans on familiar scares while trying to push the franchise into new thematic territory. For some, this is a worthy and entertaining sequel that showcases Parker Finn’s evolving voice in horror cinema. For others, the sequel falls into a classic horror trap: trying to do too much while forgetting what made the original work so well—the simple, chilling terror of the unknown.
Where to Watch
‘Smile 2,’ rated R, is now playing in theaters nationwide. If you’re a fan of the original or curious about how the sequel fares, this might just be the unsettling ride you’re looking for—with plenty of grins, some eye-rolls, and enough nerve-jangling moments to keep you hooked, at least for most of its runtime.
