This article contains some spoilers for Smile and Smile 2. The follow-up, Smile 2, is poised to be remembered as one of the standout horror films of 2024. The initial installment released two years prior received acclaim, and while neither film will reinvent the horror landscape, the sequel marks a significant advancement. Parker Finn made a notable entrance into filmmaking with his short, Laura Hasn’t Slept, which paved the way for Smile. Apart from a short film from 2018, his directorial ventures have remained within this franchise. Anticipation is high for Finn’s future projects, which could even explore new genres. Notably, Smile 2 incorporates a brief yet engaging thriller segment that merits recognition.
While not every horror film guarantees success, the genre currently seems to be a reliable box office draw. In contrast to superhero films, which can be inconsistent, horror narratives often find a welcoming audience, especially in October. The surprising triumph of the low-budget slasher Terrifier 3 over Joker: Folie à Deux has been intriguing, regardless of the differing quality between the two. With its constrained budget, Smile 2 is also performing well at the box office. Interestingly, Blumhouse’s recent offerings, such as Afraid, appear to be facing challenges. Perhaps viewers are becoming more selective.
Impactful Opening Sequence of Smile 2
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Director |
Parker Finn |
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Writer |
Parker Finn |
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Stars |
Naomi Scott, Rosemarie DeWitt, Lukas Gage, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, and Kyle Gallner |
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Runtime |
127 Minutes |
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Release Date |
October 18, 2024 |
The initial moments of Smile 2 are the only portions linking it to the original film. The rest stands independently while still delivering an exceptional introduction. In contemporary horror, an impactful scare is often mandated within the first few minutes to keep the audience engaged. The opening of Smile 2 delivers on this expectation, featuring a significant moment that is both thrilling and artistically crafted, although it feels somewhat disconnected from the overall film. This segment showcases Kyle Gallner’s character, Joel, who reappears from the first installment. Those familiar with the original will recall Joel’s unfortunate fate as he becomes the last individual to be afflicted by the film’s nameless demon, which transfers between victims like an infection. Recognizing the sinister implications presented by Rob Morgan’s character, Robert Talley, Joel is aware of the unsettling method of breaking free from the demon’s grasp—he must kill someone in front of a witness, thereby shifting the trauma and the demon onto them. Smile 2 kicks off with Joel’s unsuccessful endeavor to escape this curse.
In this context, Joel transitions into a self-styled vigilante, seeking to pass the demon onto someone he deems deserving of their fate. Targeting a pair of suspected murderers, he breaks into their home and fatally stabs one in view of the other. However, the would-be witness retaliates, compelling Joel to defend himself. In the chaos, Joel is shot and inflicts a lethal injury on the witness, ultimately leaving him without anyone to transfer the demon to. In a twist of fate, Joel encounters Lewis, a petty drug dealer who witnessed the incident. Apologizing profusely, Joel attempts to escape, only to be struck by a passing vehicle. This high-octane introductory scene appears markedly different from the remainder of the film. Nevertheless, it showcases Finn’s distinctive cinematic style, and this refreshing contrast suggests a new avenue in Finn’s directorial approach.
Parker Finn: Emerging Talent in Filmmaking
Currently, Parker Finn’s filmmaking portfolio is predominantly linked to the Smile series. His first recognizable work was a short film titled The Hidebehind, released in 2018, showcasing an antagonist characterized by a broad, sinister grin. Following that, he captivated audiences with Laura Hasn’t Slept, unveiled at SXSW in 2020. This psychological horror short established Finn’s career trajectory over the past four years, centering around an eerie villain with a breath-stealing smile and a twisted grasp on reality. The concept from this short was expanded into a feature with Smile, and its sequel, Smile 2, continues to evolve the narrative. Finn also has other ambitious plans, including a remake of Andrzej Żuławski’s eerie classic, Possession—a project that could be astonishing if realized. He will surely have more projects in the pipeline after this endeavor.
Finn’s Potential for Creating Thrilling Cinema
Envision Parker Finn applying his unique storytelling and visual style to a project akin to the films of Jeremy Saulnier. Titles like Blue Ruin, Green Room, and Rebel Ridge exhibit intensity and emotional profundity, employing a distinct visual style that enhances the thriller experience. These films also feature some of the most shocking depictions of violence within the genre. Finn could easily find his niche among these filmmakers. With dedicated effort, he might even translate his ability to build tension into a film comparable to The Silence of the Lambs. The gripping opening of Smile 2 is particularly effective as it largely avoids supernatural tropes, offering a raw and heart-racing scenario with tangible stakes. This shift in focus would provide a novel perspective within Finn’s filmmaking journey.
While grounded thrillers aren’t necessarily superior to supernatural horror, they offer a different narrative experience. The Smile franchise is recognized for its reality-bending sequences, which often leave audiences questioning what is genuine and what isn’t, potentially diminishing the impact of crucial emotional moments. A hypothetical thriller crafted by Parker Finn could uphold dramatic tension while staying anchored in reality. Additionally, with thrillers containing fewer jump scares, this direction might resonate more powerfully with audiences.
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