Horror genre films have the fifth-largest audience. There are plenty of viewers out there who wait for these movies. The more horror the better, however, it is not easy to surprise this audience. They have seen enough horror movies that make it harder for makers to keep up with the standard. The bar is set up so high given all the technology that can create the scariest situations of all time. Especially since 2010 horror moves have taken a turn for good and quality has extensively increased. The competition has also gotten quite tough.

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In all of it ‘Smile’ has been able to make over $140 million with a 6.9 rating on IMDb. This is the ultimate horror movie of 2022. Let’s discuss some good and bad aspects of the movie while not revealing much (I have no idea how I saved all the spoilers to keep the movie experiences alive). This would help you decide if you should watch the movie or not.

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Smile is a directorial venture of Parker Finn, it is based on his own short film made in 2020, Laura Hasn't Slept. Parker Finn is the writer of the movie too which is the reason he has made sure everything that he imagined becomes a reality in the movie. You might find yourself screaming out loud while watching the movie and do not be embarrassed because trust me you are not the only one. Parker must be proud of himself for bringing horror cinema to this point.

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What's the Plot of Smile?

The plot of the smile will make you anything but smile. It is very neatly built which keeps you thinking that why are these frightening experiences are taking place in Rose’s life. There are points where you are not sure if it's a supernatural horror or psychological horror.

The plot keeps you on the edge of your seat. Unlike most horror movies, you can not anticipate what is going to happen next. The movie's climax is the biggest surprise you are not even ready for. I was absolutely shunned to see the last few scenes of the movie. Not only they are surprising but also shot very well.

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The constant confusion about that is it a psychological crime mystery or actually there is an entity causing the whole situation and making Rose go crazy is what keeps you going.

Regardless of the gore and graphic scenes, you keep on going because the plot is strong enough to hold the audience. All you need is a heart to be able to watch all of it and you are good to go.

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The main strength of "Smile" is its unrelenting, suffocating grimness: in this movie, kids and animals are just as susceptible as grownups, and the gory parts are gory and upsetting to go along with the somber themes.

Bacon's unsteady, sensitive performance as Rose enhances this unsparing sensibility. She shouts, "I am not insane!" at Trevor at one point before mumbling an apology and feeling ashamedly looking down at her shoes.

At another time, her smile at her nephew's birthday party serves as a somber contrast to the sick grin the entity's victims see before they pass away (hence the movie's title), as well as a relatable moment for viewers who have reluctantly struggled through similar gatherings while experiencing a depressive episode.

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What's Good About Smile?

The movie has outdone the horror genre and you are in for the ultimate horror movie experience. If you like to get scared then be ready to be up for a few nights. There is no aspect of horror that is not used in the movie. From supernatural to psychological and all sorts of graphic elements can be found in the film. Film deals with some sensitive themes too such as PTSD. How it deals with the fact that sometimes highly accomplished people cannot deal with their inner demons is a major highlight.

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The mysterious occurrences that are frightening Rose are also forcing her to look into her past. This whole scenario is enough to keep your eyes on the screen. You look for the answers with Rose as the story moves forwards. You feel sympathy for her. Her losing her loved ones just because they do not want to trust her makes you emotional. While someone is there to keep the hope alive. Keeping hope alive in the shape of Joel is the best decision. You cry, get scared, and feel frustrated with Rose.

With all of this, the climax comes as a complete shocker. Only I know how bad I would like to explain how it happens but I am sure watching itself would definitely leave a deeper impact on you.

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What's bad about Smile?

The good is somehow the bad aspect too. Each and everything that can make a film scary is used. There is no reluctance in showing gore and blood. It does get a lot for the nerves to take.  It gets chilling, unnerving, and very difficult to watch sometimes. A lot of avid horror movie watchers have given up on the idea of watching it after the trailer.

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The most logical argument that has come forward is that in this age and time, it might be better if audience patience is not tested to its limits. At some points, you feel the director’s urge to force the gore and it is just very unsettling. You need to get over these face-ripping bloody scenes to be able to concentrate on the film.

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The very few bad comments that the movie has been receiving are related to the excessive use of graphic scenes. it eliminates one sort of audience altogether.

The Cast and Their Performances

The cast has performed extremely well in each of their roles. Socie Bacon in the role of Rose Cotter is absolutely phenomenal. You live with her and each of her horror. Kal Penn has never disappointed, and this is also one of those times.

Caitlin Stasey as Laura introduces you to the lethal smile, and you would want to forget the smile. Her performance sends chills through your spine, and her sinister smile stays with you throughout the movie.

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Kyle Gallner as Joel, the ex-boyfriend of Rose keeps hoping alive in the audience. He is the only person who is trusting her in this situation. Kyle Gallner comes across as an empathetic character and a breeze of fresh air in the overall extreme, tense movie. I personally loved him as this good guy who is helping his ex with the traumatic incidents in her life.

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Is the Smile Movie Worth Watching? 

Regardless of most things being on point, the movie is a difficult watch. If you are not a regular horror movie viewer then it might not be the best. The plot is incredible and wrapped in the most spine chilling moments.

When it comes to the genre, Smile has to be one of the best movies of this decade. The ultimate success is also telling you to grab a ticket and watch it. The only thing that can keep you from watching is your threshold for blood and gore. The movie is doing great in cinemas and has already earned a pretty good buck in a little over two weeks.  So going and watching the movie might not be a bad idea (given how much slaughter you can digest).

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The movie is a longer version of the 2020 Short film Laura Hasn't Slept. You can watch the short film to get an idea about the film. Both films are not exactly the same. Watching the short film will not impact your experience of watching Smile. Parker Finn is immensely talented and both versions are proof of his cinematic brilliance. 

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Will There Be a Sequel of Smile?

Parker Finn is completely overwhelmed by the response that the movie has received all over the world. However, the sequel is not in the cards yet. He had a dream movie as a debutant director. As per Finn, he would like to create a similar shocking movie next time instead of using the same idea of Smile. He also referred to the multiple ideas that he is thinking of and can turn into a full movie experience.

So in the future, the audience can expect something more. There is no doubt after watching Smile anything that will come out of Finn’s bag will be amazing.

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PS: Try not to sleep alone the night you watch Smile (Thank me later).