'Smile' Review: Some Good Moments, But Is Ultimately Disappointing

'Smile' has good premise but fails to act on it and overall could have been so much more.

Smile, directed by Parker Finn, introduces you to a world where a simple smile holds a sinister power. Starring Susie Bacon as Dr. Rose Cotter, the film delves into the depths of buried traumas and sinister encounters that set the stage for a psychological thriller.

The story revolves around Dr. Rose Cotter, a mental health professional with buried traumas, played by Susie Bacon. When she encounters a new patient named Laura, portrayed by Caitlyn Stacy, the two are connected by a curse that is transferred through a smile. 

As the plot unfolds, you witness the interplay between characters grappling with their own burdens and secrets, all connected by a curse that ties them together. The central premise of the film, the transfer of a curse through a smile, is a creepy concept in theory, and one that could have been utilized much more effectively as well.

As mentioned though, one of the main issues I had with the movie lies in the excessive over-explanation of plot points, which hinders the ability for you to really engage with the story organically. The tendency to spell out obvious details diminished the suspense and tension that could have been built throughout the film.

The directorial choice to rely heavily on inverted filming scenes, especially in the first half of the movie, becomes a distracting element that overshadows the storytelling. While this technique could be impactful when used sparingly, its overuse in Smile detracts from the overall experience and disrupts the flow of the narrative.

Smile showcases potential in its concept and performances but ultimately misses the mark and with a more focused approach to storytelling and a deeper exploration of the chilling curse theme, the film could have been a truly memorable entry in the psychological thriller genre.

The film held great promise with its premise, but I felt it was a missed opportunity overall. While the concept is intriguing, the movie fell short of delivering a positive experience, and the central theme of the smile is underutilized.

It does offer moments of suspense however, and a few decent jump scares but it ultimately fails to capitalize on its concept, and I would personally give it a 5.5/10. [Smile on IMDB]

And if you didn't know, A sequel for 'Smile' is set to be released in October, just in time for Halloween!

What did you think of  the movie? Love it or hate it? Or a bit meh?? Let me know in the comments or on my twitter.

Check out some other horror movie reviews on Horror Movies Nerd.


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