“Smile,” a psychological horror film directed by Parker Finn, was released on September 30, 2022. The movie belongs to the horror genre, with elements of psychological thriller and supernatural suspense. The story centers around a woman who begins to experience disturbing events after witnessing a traumatic incident. With a mix of unsettling imagery and an eerie atmosphere, “Smile” is designed to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The film has garnered attention for its chilling premise and intense performances, quickly becoming a topic of discussion among horror fans. While it might not reinvent the genre, “Smile” is an effective and spine-chilling experience. In this review, we’ll explore what makes “Smile” stand out, the strengths and weaknesses of the film, and whether it’s worth watching for horror enthusiasts.
Table of Contents
Plot Summary
The plot of “Smile” follows Dr. Rose Cotter (played by Sosie Bacon), a psychiatrist who witnesses a traumatic event when a patient named Laura dies in front of her, smiling eerily before her death. This event sets off a chain of disturbing occurrences in Rose’s life, as she begins to see people smiling in a similar unsettling way. As Rose struggles to maintain her sanity, she uncovers a horrifying connection between the deaths and the strange smiling phenomenon. The more she investigates, the more she realizes that she might be next. The film explores themes of trauma, mental health, and the ways in which fear manifests in our lives. It’s a slow-burn thriller that builds tension gradually, using psychological horror to keep the audience engaged. While the story might feel familiar at times, it’s the execution that gives “Smile” its edge, creating a tense and atmospheric experience.
What’s Good?
“Smile” excels in several key areas, from acting to direction, music, and cinematography, all of which contribute to its ability to unsettle and disturb.
Acting
The performance of Sosie Bacon as Dr. Rose Cotter is a standout feature of the film. Bacon brings a level of vulnerability and authenticity to her character, making Rose’s descent into madness both believable and compelling. As Rose begins to unravel, Bacon’s portrayal effectively conveys the character’s fear, confusion, and determination to uncover the truth. Her emotional range allows the audience to empathize with her plight, even as she grapples with the terror surrounding her. The supporting cast, including Kyle Gallner and Caitlin Stasey, also deliver strong performances, but it’s Bacon’s performance that anchors the film and makes it emotionally engaging.
Direction
Parker Finn’s direction is another highlight of “Smile.” Finn does an excellent job of creating a sense of unease and tension throughout the film. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the horror to build gradually rather than relying on cheap jump scares. Finn uses long takes and slow zoom-ins to heighten the sense of dread, keeping the audience on edge as the story unfolds. The film’s tone is consistently dark and oppressive, which is key to maintaining the psychological horror element. The slow-burn style of storytelling ensures that the horror feels earned, rather than forced, making the payoff all the more effective.
Music and Sound Design
The music and sound design in “Smile” play a crucial role in enhancing the atmosphere of the film. The score, composed by Cristobal Tapia de Veer, is haunting and minimalist, with eerie melodies that intensify the tension in key scenes. The sound design, in particular, is effective at creating an unsettling atmosphere. From the quiet whispers to the disturbing sounds that accompany the smile phenomenon, the audio elements work in tandem with the visuals to keep the audience immersed in the horror. The music and sound choices help to amplify the psychological aspects of the film, making it more than just a standard horror movie.
Cinematography
The cinematography in “Smile” is another strength. The film’s visuals are both striking and unsettling, with cinematographer Charlie Sarroff using lighting and camera angles to create a sense of claustrophobia and discomfort. The use of shadows and dark corners adds to the feeling that something is lurking just out of sight. The close-up shots of the characters, especially during moments of intense fear, draw the audience into the characters’ emotional states. The film’s visual style is integral to its success as a psychological horror film, with the cinematography amplifying the tension and unease.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
One of the biggest strengths of “Smile” is its ability to create a genuinely unsettling atmosphere. The film uses psychological horror to its advantage, focusing on the fear of the unknown and the breakdown of the protagonist’s mental state. The slow-building tension and the sense of dread that permeates the film make it a deeply immersive experience. Sosie Bacon’s performance is another major strength, as her portrayal of Rose’s descent into madness is both believable and compelling. The direction by Parker Finn, combined with the haunting music and effective cinematography, ensures that the film remains engaging and tense throughout.
The film also does a great job of exploring themes of trauma and mental health. It doesn’t simply rely on supernatural horror but also examines how fear can manifest in different ways, particularly when dealing with past trauma. This adds a layer of depth to the story, making it more than just a typical horror film. The film’s ability to balance emotional weight with scares is a key factor in its success.
Weaknesses
While “Smile” has many strengths, it’s not without its weaknesses. One of the main criticisms of the film is that the story can feel predictable at times. The premise of a curse or supernatural force causing people to smile eerily is not entirely original, and some viewers may find the narrative to be somewhat familiar. Additionally, the pacing can feel slow in some parts, particularly in the middle of the film, where the tension seems to plateau before ramping up again in the final act.
Another weakness is the underdevelopment of certain secondary characters. While Sosie Bacon’s performance is exceptional, some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped, and their motivations aren’t explored in depth. This can make it harder for viewers to connect with them or feel invested in their fates. However, this is a minor issue compared to the overall impact of the film’s horror and emotional depth.
Target Audience
“Smile” is aimed at fans of psychological horror and supernatural thrillers. The film is best suited for viewers who enjoy slow-burn horror movies that focus on atmosphere and character development rather than relying solely on jump scares. Fans of films like “The Ring” or “It Follows” will likely appreciate the tension-building style of “Smile.” The movie also deals with themes of trauma and mental health, which may resonate with a more mature audience. While it’s not suitable for younger viewers due to its disturbing imagery, horror enthusiasts and fans of psychological thrillers will find much to enjoy in “Smile.”
Box Office Details
“Smile” was made on a budget of approximately ₹35 crore (INR 35,00,00,000). Despite being a relatively low-budget film, it performed well at the box office, grossing around ₹300 crore (INR 300,00,00,000) worldwide.
On its opening day, “Smile” earned ₹5 crore in India and ₹4 crore overseas. The second day saw a slight increase in ticket sales, with ₹6 crore in India and ₹5 crore internationally. By the third day, the film had grossed ₹7 crore in India and ₹6 crore overseas. The fourth and fifth days continued to show steady earnings, with ₹8 crore in India and ₹7 crore internationally on the fourth day, and ₹9 crore in India and ₹8 crore overseas on the fifth day. The film’s strong box office performance can be attributed to its effective marketing and positive word-of-mouth among horror fans.
Recommendation
“Smile” is a chilling and effective psychological horror film that keeps viewers on edge from start to finish. The film’s ability to build tension, combined with Sosie Bacon’s outstanding performance and Parker Finn’s direction, makes it a standout in the genre. While the story may feel predictable at times and the pacing slows in the middle, the film’s emotional depth and unsettling atmosphere make it a must-watch for horror enthusiasts. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with a supernatural twist, “Smile” is definitely worth a watch. Highly recommended for fans of horror who appreciate a slow-burn, atmospheric experience.
Genres:
Horror, Mystery
Rating:
6.664/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Sosie Bacon | Rose Cotter |
| Kyle Gallner | Joel |
| Jessie T. Usher | Trevor |
| Robin Weigert | Dr. Madeline Northcott |
| Caitlin Stasey | Laura Weaver |
| Kal Penn | Dr. Morgan Desai |
| Rob Morgan | Robert Talley |
| Gillian Zinser | Holly |
| Judy Reyes | Victoria Munoz |
| Jack Sochet | Carl Renken |
| Nick Arapoglou | Greg |
| Perry Strong | Detective Buckley |
| Matthew Lamb | Jackson |
| Dora Kiss | Mom |
| Meghan Brown Pratt | 10 Year Old Rose |
| Jared Johnston | Orderly Dan |
| Ura Yoana Sánchez | Nurse Wanda |
| Vanessa Cozart | Nurse |
| Shu Q | Officer Chan |
| Shevy Gutierrez | Officer Wilkes |
| Sara Kapner | Stephanie |
| Steven Strickland | Deputy Sheriff |
| Kevin Keppy | Nightmare Mom |
| Marti Matulis | The Monstruosity |
| Scot Teller | Prison Guard (uncredited) |
| Michelle Persiano | Nurse (uncredited) |
| Setty Brosevelt | Driver / Pedestrian (uncredited) |
| Jerry Lobrow | Cocktail Party Guest (uncredited) |
| Brandon Brigman | Security Guard (uncredited) |
| Nadia Ramdass | Nurse (uncredited) |
| Athena Smiley | Little Girl (uncredited) |
| Rachel Yong | Brash Colleague (uncredited) |
| Irene Blackman | Nurse (uncredited) |
| Steven Bullock | Cocktail Party Guest (uncredited) |
| Felix Melendez Jr. | Gabriel Munoz (uncredited) |
| Elaine Apruzzese | Psychiatric Patient (uncredited) |
| Sebastian Deerkop | Bartender (uncredited) |
| Daniel Irmas | Finance Bro (uncredited) |
| Shanea Lattimore | Drug Party Girl (uncredited) |
| Bob Leszczak | Pedestrian (uncredited) |
| Anne Schmalzigan | Angela Powell (uncredited) |
| Joseph Tornatore | Prison Guard (uncredited) |
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
