A record-breaking horror film described as ‘twisted’ and ‘disturbing’ is finally coming to Amazon Prime Video to enjoy from the comfort of your sofa – if you dare.
Smile 2, released last year, was Parker Finn’s horrifying follow-up to box office smash hit Smile which hit cinemas in 2022.
The first film’s intensely terrifying viral marketing campaign meant all eyes were on the supernatural thriller when it came to the big screen, with Smile garnering a whopping $138.1 million (£101.2 million) worldwide at the box office.
Its sequel followed the events of the first film and told the story of global pop star Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) as she is about to embark on her comeback world tour.
But after she witnesses the death of drug dealer Lewis Fregoli, Skye is taunted by a sinister grinning entity which can manifest as anyone and anything – including figures from Skye’s past.
Smile 2 achieved similar success to its predecessor, becoming the biggest Paramount horror opening in 13 markets worldwide including Italy and Spain.
It was also the biggest horror opening of 2024 in 13 markets, including France, Germany, and Italy (per Deadline).
If you missed the film in cinemas, you’re in luck, as Smile 2 arrives on Amazon Prime Video on April 14 via Paramount+.
The horror sequel currently holds an 86% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, and 81% from general audiences.
The critics’ consensus reads: ‘Blessed with a nerve-jangling star turn by Naomi Scott, writer-director Parker Finn broadens Smile’s conceit into a pop stardom nightmare that’ll leave a rictus grin on horror fans’ faces.’
Meanwhile, the audience says: ‘Taking the initial premise to horrifying new levels of twisted, Smile 2 installs Naomi Scott as a scream queen and cements a beaming franchise.’
In their review, the Observer said: ‘The special effects are bracingly revolting, the malevolent smiles as creepy as ever. And the film has the added bonus of some killer choreography, in every sense of the word.’
FilmWeek went as far as to say the sequel was ‘better than the original’ while The Sun wrote: ‘Director Parker Finn pulls no punches in this nightmare-fuelled sequel, taking us on a ride that’s even more intense and disturbing.’
Many praised Aladdin star Naomi Scott in the film, with RogerEbert.com saying: ‘Yes, there are a few too many jump scares and at least one too many twists, but it’s all forgivable when you think of the true terror in Naomi Scott’s eyes.’
‘The film finds dark humor in taking these desperate feelings of unease and feeding them to a kaleidoscopic creature of pain and viscera,’ AV Club summarised.
Time Out added: ‘It’s tamer than its deeply unsettling predecessor, but still unhinged enough to keep you nicely on edge.’
A third film is reportedly set to begin filming this year with Finn returning to direct.
The director is also set to helm a remake of classic 1981 film Possession, with Robert Pattinson attached.
Smile 2 comes to Amazon Prime Video on April 14
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