The film’s success was driven by its effective use of psychological horror and visceral practical effects. According to the "Science of Scare Project," Smile and its 2024 sequel consistently rank among the top 10 scariest films based on audience heart rate data.
The Smile is a 2022 American supernatural horror film directed by Parker Finn in his feature directorial debut. The film stars Naomi Watts, Billy Lourd and Jacki Weaver.
: Victims typically have only a few days before the entity completely consumes their mind. Themes of Trauma and PTSD smile 2022
✨ Smile 2022 ✨ Not because everything was perfect, but because I chose to find joy in the small moments. Through the ups and downs, laughter carried me. Here’s to the smiles that happened, the ones I almost missed, and the ones still waiting in 2023. 😊💫 #Smile2022 #YearInReview #ChooseJoy
The film centers on a malevolent, unnamed entity that feeds on . This entity passes from person to person through a "chain-letter" style curse: a victim must witness a brutal suicide to become the next host. The film’s success was driven by its effective
: A jarring, discordant score that keeps the audience in a state of constant unease.
Beyond the jump scares, Smile (2022) is widely recognized as a metaphor for and the cyclical nature of inherited trauma. The film stars Naomi Watts, Billy Lourd and Jacki Weaver
The film received mixed reviews from critics.