Review of Smile (2022) by Compi24 — 11 Oct 2022
What starts out as a relatively solid foray into some admittedly well-tread horror conventionality eventually skids into one of the more infuriating endings I've seen in the theater in quite some time.
The emptiness of it is — I think — what really burned me the most. Instead of doing something different, saying something effective or fulfilling your protagonist's arc in a satisfying way, we're left with the conclusion that we all expect and don't want.
Again, this is a real shame because I think what precedes this ending is frequently disquieting, but not in the way the movie may have intended. I honestly found all the scares involving the titular element to either be bland or unintentionally funny.
The honest-to-God disturbing moments in this movie lie within the bouts of psychological horror littered throughout, not the supernatural ones. Watching Sosie Bacon's character lose her grip on reality was truly scarier than anything else, and the actor gives quite a commendable performance as well.
Still, though, the ending really just soured things for me. Overall, a valid effort from everyone involved. Just didn't stick the landing for me.
This review of Smile (2022) was written by Compi24 on 11 Oct 2022.
Smile has generally received positive reviews.
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