While the conclusion of Smile 2 may suggest a bleak future for the franchise, both Smile and its sequel cleverly provide a rationale behind the films’ major revelations. The audacity of Smile 2’s twist ending might raise concerns about its implications for the series overall. Much like the first film, the finale of Smile 2 unveils that a considerable portion of its narrative unfolds within the fractured psyche of its troubled protagonist. However, unlike the first film, which limited the psychological exploration to a mere ten minutes, Smile 2 ends on a significantly more ambitious and open-ended note.
As Skye Riley, the protagonist and singer, confronts the reality of her hallucinations during her concert, audiences are left in a state of confusion. The revelation that Skye did not kill her mother—thanks in part to her mother’s supportive presence—adds another layer of complexity. Additionally, the odd circumstances surrounding her supposed encounter with Morris at a dilapidated pizza restaurant raise questions about reality and the characters involved. Was Morris ever real, or merely a figment of her imagination?
The Toll of Survivor’s Guilt in Smile and Smile 2
Shared Psychological Struggles of Rose and Skye Riley
Unfortunately, these details appear irrelevant to Skye as she succumbs to the demon’s influence, leading to her tragic demise in a shocking act of violence. In an echo of Rose’s fate, the demonic entity consumes Skye, who inflicts a fatal injury on herself by jamming her microphone into her eye. This horrifying twist suggests that the curse inherent in the Smile franchise may now extend to the thousands of concertgoers, opening the door for the next installment to explore a multitude of new victims.
However, the mass exposure to the curse poses a challenge for Smile 3, which might struggle to identify a singular focal character.
This scenario parallels the challenges faced by the Ring franchise, which faltered when its 2017 reboot, Rings, showed the cursed videotape spreading uncontrollably. While this narrative twist is intriguing, it complicates the plot by creating numerous victims without a clear protagonist to follow. Thankfully, the Smile series has already hinted at a unifying theme among its characters: their experiences with survivor’s guilt.
The Demon’s Selective Nature in the Smile Universe
Pre-Existing Trauma: The Link Between Skye and Rose
In the context of the franchise, Joel, the initial victim in Smile 2, experiences trauma linked to Rose’s death, feeling guilt for not saving her. This theme suggests that the demon thrives on individuals who possess psychological vulnerabilities stemming from the loss of loved ones, compounded by their feelings of responsibility for these losses. A significant portion of the original film explores Rose’s remorse over her mother’s overdose, while Smile 2 introduces Skye’s past involvement in an accident that claimed her boyfriend’s life.
These elements imply that the demon within the Smile universe is selective with its victims, feeding on those whose survivor’s guilt makes them susceptible to its influence. Both Skye and Rose are haunted by manifestations of loved ones from their past, highlighting the demon’s method of manipulation—drawing on their most painful memories. This connection may provide a workaround for the apparent plot inconsistencies in Smile 2.
Addressing the Sequel Setup: A Potential Resolution
Not All Concert Goers Are Equal: The Curse Dynamics
Ultimately, while Smile 2’s conclusion initially appears to jeopardize the franchise’s trajectory, it opens avenues for profound narratives. A hypothetical Smile 3 focusing on the aftermath of Skye’s tragic fate could delve into the psychological unraveling of select vulnerable attendees rather than depicting a generic disaster horror scenario. This narrative approach preserves the tense, character-centric atmosphere that defines the franchise, showcasing how the demon preys only on those affected by survivor’s guilt.
Both the original and the sequel underscore the necessity of following an individual’s journey through trauma, which significantly enhances the psychological horror elements. This strategic viewpoint ensures that the franchise can maintain its unique terrifying resonance while still exploring broader themes.
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