‘Smile 2’ takes a terrifying page from a horror classic and it’s not hard to see why

Parker Finn is back with Smile 2, the follow-up to his 2022 horror hit, and this sequel is set to elevate the franchise with a fresh storyline and a connection to horror classics. The film centers on a new victim of the grinning demonic entity from the first movie, featuring a pop star, Skye Riley, played by Naomi Scott, who grapples with the sinister smile curse while on a world tour.

Ray Nicholson, son of legendary actor Jack Nicholson, plays a significant role in this installment, portraying Skye’s deceased husband, Paul. Finn shared in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that The Shining heavily influenced him while crafting this sequel, particularly due to Nicholson’s impressive audition. Finn noted, “Jack Nicholson is one of my favorite actors of all time,” and remarked on how Ray’s resemblance to his father made for a captivating performance. He emphasized how Ray slipped into his character with a “venomous but charming” demeanor, echoing the unnerving charm that Jack brought to his iconic role as Jack Torrance.

The nod to The Shining is evident not just in Nicholson’s performance but also in the film’s visual elements. Finn and his costume designer Alexis Forte created a costume for Ray that resonated with Jack’s aesthetic from the Kubrick classic. Finn exclaimed, “We were like, ‘Oh my God, this is The Shining. He looks exactly like Jack!’”

Smile 2 is taking a more grounded approach compared to its predecessor, which was criticized for its characters feeling disconnected from reality despite an intriguing premise. The sequel features a new ensemble of characters and conflicts, positioning Skye Riley at the center of a high-stakes narrative as she confronts the smile curse while navigating the pressures of fame and personal loss.

The film’s premise and execution appear to be more cohesive, with a tighter narrative and better-developed characters. Just in time for the spooky season, Smile 2 promises to deliver a compelling horror experience that fans are eager to enjoy—hopefully without the eerie smiles!