Smile (2022) is one of the most anticipated horror films of the year, blending psychological horror, supernatural thriller, and trauma-driven narrative. Directed by Parker Finn, and starring Sosie Bacon along with Jessie T. Usher, Kyle Gallner, Kal Penn, and Rob Morgan, this English‑language film was released theatrically on September 30, 2022.
Movie Overview
Smile follows Dr. Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon), a clinical psychologist who witnesses the horrifying suicide of a patient wearing a grotesque grin. Soon after, Rose begins experiencing uncanny visions and disturbing behavior in those around her, all marked by sinister smiles. As the terror escalates, she uncovers a pattern: a supernatural entity feeds off trauma through a chain of victims—each cursed to pass it on. In a desperate attempt to stop it, Rose makes an unimaginable choice that forces her to confront her deepest wounds.:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Attribute Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Smile |
| Genre | Psychological Horror, Supernatural Thriller |
| Language | English |
| Release Date | September 30, 2022 (U.S.) |
| Director | Parker Finn |
| Writer | Parker Finn |
In‑Depth Analysis
Plot & Themes
Smile uses horror as a metaphor for the persistence of trauma. As Rose relives the trauma of her mother’s suicide and the clinic’s unsettling events, the film portrays how trauma morphs into a monstrous cycle—one that cannot simply be defeated by denial or violence. Instead, the film suggests that true resolution requires confronting our pain, even at great cost.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Cast & Crew
The cast is led by Sosie Bacon as Dr. Rose Cotter, alongside Jessie T. Usher, Kyle Gallner, Kal Penn, Rob Morgan, and Caitlin Stasey in a role carried over from Finn’s short film *Laura Hasn’t Slept* (2020). The film marked Parker Finn’s feature directorial debut. Creative contributions include cinematography by Charlie Sarroff, music by Cristobal Tapia de Veer, and editing by Elliot Greenberg.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Reception & Box Office
Smile was both a critical and commercial success. It grossed approximately $217.4 million worldwide on an estimated $17 million budget—making it a standout in original horror cinema.:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Critics praised the unsettling visuals and Bacon’s intense performance. Rotten Tomatoes reports a 79% Tomatometer and similarly positive audience reception. Metacritic’s score reflects generally favorable reviews.:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Directorial Vision & Cinematic Style
Finn draws inspiration from classics like *The Ring* and *Rosemary’s Baby*, aiming to evoke emotional dread rather than jump scares alone. His use of practical effects, claustrophobic framing, and surreal imagery creates an oppressive atmosphere akin to living nightmares.:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Reddit users also noted the film’s cinematography, highlighting director Sarroff’s use of symmetry, one-point perspective, color shifts (red for chaos; blue for calm), and intense zooms as integral to the film’s unsettling tone:
> “Perspective and Symmetry … Colour change … Zoom in camera movement … Upside down world throughout the entire movie”:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Legacy & Franchise Outlook
Smile’s success led to a first-look deal for Finn with Paramount. A sequel, *Smile 2*, was released in October 2024, continuing the haunting legacy in the Smile universe.:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
In *Smile 2*, Naomi Scott leads as a pop star under siege by the same entity, while Kyle Gallner returns reprising his role. The sequel earned $138.1 million globally and received multiple Saturn Award nominations.:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Cultural Impact
Smile reinvigorated original horror in theaters, proving that emotionally grounded, authorial visions can thrive in a genre often dominated by franchises and remakes. It sparked discussion on mental health, trauma, and the horror genre’s ability to explore psychological depths. Its sequel’s release and continued development of further installments show that the Smile universe is evolving beyond a single horror film.
Audience & Critical Quotes
“Smile … a pretty silly movie by any metric; still, it has teeth.” — *Entertainment Weekly* review:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
“Smile… might become a long‑running horror franchise…” — Reddit user commentary:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Conclusion
In summary, Smile (2022) is a memorable psychological horror debut that fuses emotional weight with visual terror. With its strong critical reception, box office success, and budding franchise potential, it stands as a modern horror benchmark—haunting not just on screen, but in lingering thought.
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