Smile (2022) Movie Review

Smile (2022) Movie Review: A Haunting Horror

Mar 12, 2025 3 min read Smile (2022) Movie Review: A Haunting Horror backdrop image

Let me take you on a horrifying ride with the latest fright delight—Smile, directed by Parker Finn. If eerie horror, mystifying plots, and spine-chilling thrillers are your vibe, buckle up because this movie review is about to get real. Smile delivers a haunting experience crafted by Parker Finn, marking a fascinating entrant in the mystery and thriller genres.

Smile spins a chilling tale the moment you lay eyes on it. Following a freakish and traumatic incident with a patient, Sosie Bacon plays a psychiatrist who becomes convinced an uncanny entity is lurking. Yep, you guessed it, this plot ain't letting you relax. It's not just about the scares—it's about the psyche, the paranoia, and that unshakable feeling of impending doom, making it a unique addition to mysterious film critiques.

Now, let's talk shop—acting and direction. Sosie Bacon leads with a performance that's both chilling and tender. When I say I felt her terror, I mean something crawled up my spine. And can we take a moment for Kyle Gallner? His nuanced portrayal adds depth. Parker Finn steers this suspenseful ship with such precision. The cinematography—hauntingly beautiful, maybe a little too dark at times, but hey, it works for horror films. Screenplay-wise, it's not the most groundbreaking, but it keeps you hooked.

Comparing Smile to other thrillers like Hereditary or The Babadook, it's like having a perfect horror cocktail. There's that creeping dread, disturbing visuals, and an eerie soundtrack. While it might not reach the classic status of The Exorcist, it surely offers something fresh in an ever-evolving genre landscape. Cinema analysis shows Smile lands somewhere between arthouse and Hollywood—perhaps a bit muddled, but intriguing nonetheless.

Should you check it out? Well, if mystery and terror tickle your fancy, then yes, my friend, Smile is a must-watch film for you. It may not win an Oscar for Best Picture, but it sure will haunt your dreams! Love spine-tingling sequences and suspenseful storytelling? Grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready for a chilling experience. As far as cinematic masterpieces go, this one aims to leave a mark. Happy spooking!