Smile 2: Naomi Scott kills in superior sequel

Smile 2 delves into the impact of fame, guilt, and the breakdown of personal relationships, all of which add depth to Naomi Scott’s character, Skye Riley. Her life is marked by isolation, with most of her remaining “friends” being employees or industry insiders rather than true companions. Skye has pushed away many of her old friends, largely due to her toxic behavior and unresolved emotional issues. Her fame, instead of bringing connection, has left her more alienated, reinforcing the film’s themes of loneliness and the destructive nature of unaddressed trauma.

This strained dynamic also emphasizes the film’s critique of the entertainment industry’s pressures. Skye’s fame feels like a cage, where she is constantly performing not just on stage but in life, for those around her who are more invested in her career than her well-being. Her inability to form or maintain meaningful friendships serves as a reflection of her internal struggle. The smile curse exploits these fractured relationships, preying on her emotional vulnerability and isolation, pushing her further into a downward spiral.

Skye’s toxic behavior, which has alienated those closest to her, adds another layer to the film’s exploration of guilt. She is not just dealing with the external pressures of fame but also the internal guilt of how her actions have affected others. The film uses this emotional isolation to heighten the horror, showing how the smile curse preys on those who are already emotionally fragile and disconnected from genuine support systems.

Ultimately, Smile 2 weaves together Skye’s personal and professional struggles to create a horror film that is as much about inner demons as it is about external ones. Her strained relationships, combined with the burden of fame, amplify the psychological horror of the film, making her descent into madness feel both inevitable and tragic. By the end, it becomes clear that the true terror in Skye’s life is not just the curse but the ways in which her unresolved trauma has already poisoned her ability to connect with others.

Smile 2 is in theatres now.