Why Smile 2 has the scariest ending of any horror movie this year

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of horror movie marathons under my belt, let me tell you, Smile 2 has left me absolutely petrified and utterly captivated. This sequel is not just a retread of its predecessor; it’s a chilling rollercoaster ride that pushes the boundaries of terror while maintaining a delightful dash of absurdity.


If moviegoers are beaming from cheek to cheek, it signifies just one thing: Smile 2 has arrived at last.

Following the chilling 2019 horror film, a second installment unfolds with Skye Riley, a well-known pop star, falling prey to the ominous Smile Curse. This latest addition to the series has been applauded by critics, including Daisy Phillipson of our team, who in her review of Smile 2, praised its enhancement over the original and its skillful balancing act between being both spine-tingling and amusingly absurd.

The movie, in fact, is significantly larger and more daring than its precursor, however, this expansiveness has also invited some criticism. Some viewers argue that the sequel lacks the original’s incisive quality, suggesting it’s merely a rehash of Smile, and they find it overly whimsical to a fault.

Indeed, it seems that some viewers may have missed out on the impact of Smile 2’s conclusion, as its ending is arguably one of the scariest and saddest in this year’s horror genre offerings. Caution: potential spoilers follow!

What happens to Skye?

Why Smile 2 has the scariest ending of any horror movie this year

Regrettably, Skye’s tale concludes in heartbreak. In a desperate attempt to flee from the terrifying Smile Entity, she rushes onto the stage only to be overtaken and possessed by the sinister, grinning specter.

Following its unexpected intrusion, the beast seizes the microphone in a manner that not only breaches its warranty but potentially takes the life of Skye – an unfortunate turn of events I can’t help but find chilling. Despite the gruesome outcome, it’s the observer that amplifies the terror in this moment. You don’t witness Skye’s actions directly, only the aftermath, yet the spectator adds a layer of dread to the scene.

After all, the Smile Curse usually gets transferred to the next unlucky individual who witnesses its carrier commit suicide. In the first movie, our protagonist Rose transfers the curse onto Joel, who inadvertently gives it to Lewis, and eventually Lewis passes it to Skye. So, who does she pass it on to next?

Smile 2’s ending is more horrifying than you realize

Actually, it isn’t a single individual we’re dealing with here; it’s multiple people. Tragically, Syke took her life on stage during a concert, providing a grim spectacle for her audience (the pun wasn’t deliberate). This implies that there could be thousands, if not tens of thousands, of individuals who are soon to discover the harsh reality – that Syke didn’t end her own life; she was murdered by an unseen, spectral entity.

Assuming that the creature can somehow be separated among various individuals, this is what we’re considering. However, the Smile Creature might be similar to the number zero, meaning it can’t be divided. Since it’s a magical beast, let’s consider it capable of such division for argument’s sake. If you meet the conditions (witness its lethal actions), your fate would be as grim as that of a dodo who encountered an eager explorer, effectively making you extinct.

This implies it’s highly likely there are more individuals infected than ever before, who will all potentially disseminate this affliction extensively. It resembles an outbreak of sorts, with the capacity to expand worldwide like a dreadful flu that doesn’t primarily cause a runny nose but rather instills a need for immediate escape.

It’s a terrifying thought, and it’s even potentially apocalyptic. So while Longlegs might be more atmospheric, A Quiet Place Day One might be sadder, and Strange Darlings might be cleverer, Smile 2 is easily the scariest film I’ve seen this year because it hides its chills behind an appropriately goofy grin.

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2024-10-18 12:49