Smile 2 is not just a horror sequel—it’s a deeper dive into psychological terror, fame, and the eerie connection between pop stardom and dread. Directed by Parker Finn, the film pushes boundaries by blending pop culture’s glitzy world with relentless horror. In an exclusive interview, Finn shared his creative vision for the film, detailing the inspiration behind the pop star narrative, the haunting camera work, and how the music elevates the story.
Exploring the World of Pop Stars in Smile 2
For Smile 2, Finn wanted to do something different, taking the horror out of the dark, damp basements of the first film and placing it in a world that feels larger, shinier, and more glamorous: the life of a mega pop star. Finn explained that his goal was to make sure the sequel wasn’t just a simple continuation but a fresh, exciting experience that challenged both him and the audience.
“If I was gonna come do a sequel, I wanted to make sure it wasn’t just like a simple continuation, it was something new and fresh. And this idea of a mega pop star who has this sort of glitzy, glammy, shiny world felt so just opposite where we were in the first one.” — Parker Finn
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The choice to focus on a pop star rather than a traditional horror protagonist allows the film to explore new thematic ground. Pop stardom, often associated with glamour and happiness, becomes the backdrop for psychological horror. Finn highlighted the parasocial relationships that fans develop with celebrities, saying that the world of pop music felt like the perfect place for Smile‘s malevolent curse to invade.
“I feel that, you know, we’re at sort of this peak parasocial relationship with celebrity, and I feel like nothing is bigger than pop. And so it felt like such a really exciting place to go with it.” — Parker Finn
Crafting the Visual and Musical Language of Horror
One of the standout features of Smile 2 is its evolving camera work, which Finn uses as a tool to tell the story in a more dynamic and unsettling way. The visuals were designed to enhance the tension, with camera rotations and arches playing a critical role in manipulating the audience’s perception of reality. Finn explained that he treats the camera as its own character, carefully crafting each shot to suit the mood of the moment.
“I like to treat the camera almost like its own character in the film. And I do an incredible amount of prep work, of shot listing, and really dialing in exactly how we’re gonna do it. I don’t like to necessarily just shoot standard coverage. I want everything to feel really bespoke and really specific to the moment.” — Parker Finn
This approach extends beyond camera movement to the careful embedding of “smile” imagery throughout the film. Finn and his production designer, Lester Cohen, placed hidden Easter eggs for eagle-eyed viewers to catch, adding another layer of depth to the film’s visual language. Fans who watch Smile 2 more than once are likely to discover new elements they missed the first time.
The music in Smile 2 also plays a significant role in shaping the narrative. Finn worked with renowned songwriters and producers to create songs that both stand on their own as pop hits and serve the emotional core of the film. Finn shared that one of the challenges was creating music that felt authentic in the world of pop while subtly supporting the themes of the film.
“It was really about trying to create stuff that was catchy and addictive and pop with a capital P, but developing these lyrics that also were speaking to the character’s journey and the themes of the film subtly.” — Parker Finn
The result is a soundtrack that blurs the lines between reality and fiction, making Skye Riley, played by Naomi Scott, feel like a real pop star while also serving the film’s chilling atmosphere. The music, like the camera work, becomes an essential part of the storytelling, guiding the audience through Skye’s descent into madness.
Horror Meets Fame
While Smile 2 is a horror film at its core, Finn’s decision to set it in the world of fame and stardom adds another layer of tension. The pressures of fame, the need to maintain a public persona, and the isolation that comes with being in the spotlight all contribute to Skye’s unraveling. Finn’s extensive research into the lives of pop stars revealed parallels between the horror genre and the public pressures placed on celebrities.
“The expectations that are put on some of these stars, who are treated almost like—they’re elevated to the point of, like, demigod. But at the end of the day, they’re human beings like all of us. And I was so interested in that, about that person who can’t really be themselves in the world.” — Parker Finn
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In Smile 2, the glitz and glamour of Skye Riley’s world only serve to make her downfall more disturbing. As the curse slowly takes hold, the audience watches as the shiny veneer of her life is peeled away, revealing the anxiety and fear that lies beneath. Finn’s vision for the film was to turn the pop star’s world upside down, using the contrast between happiness and horror to heighten the stakes.
Shine Removed
Parker Finn’s Smile 2 is a masterful blend of psychological horror, dark humor, and commentary on fame. Through innovative camera work, carefully crafted music, and a narrative that explores the dark side of pop culture, the film offers a fresh and terrifying experience for audiences. As Finn delves deeper into the worlds of horror and celebrity, Smile 2 promises to be a haunting journey that stays with viewers long after the lights come up.
As you prepare to watch Smile 2, keep an eye out for those hidden smiles, listen closely to the lyrics, and prepare for a film that turns the glitz of pop culture into something terrifying.
Smile 2 release in theaters on October 18, 2024.
About Smile 2
RELEASE DATE: October 18, 2024
WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY: Parker Finn
PRODUCED BY: Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey, Isaac Klausner, Parker Finn, Robert Salerno
CAST: Naomi Scott, Rosemarie DeWitt, Lukas Gage, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Peter Jacobson, Ray Nicholson, Dylan Gelula, Raúl Castillo and Kyle Gallner
SYNOPSIS
About to embark on a new world tour, global pop sensation Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) begins experiencing increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events. Overwhelmed by the escalating horrors and the pressures of fame, Skye is forced to face her dark past to regain control of her life before it spirals out of control.
What are you most excited (or terrified) to experience in Smile 2? Do you think Naomi Scott will redefine horror heroines? And how do you think Parker Finn will top the original’s relentless tension? Share with us on social media!
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