Smile
The young and lonesome 18year old Mercedes visits the legendary techno festival "Heimat" for the first time in her life. She is longingly hoping for experiences of proximity, joy and intensity. Instead, she finds herself confronted with the abysses of this alleged perfect world. In the end, Mercedes sees no way out without committing an act of violence.
Insights
Plot Summary
After witnessing a bizarre, traumatic incident involving a patient, Dr. Rose Cotter begins experiencing frightening hallucinations and unsettling occurrences. As she tries to make sense of her terrifying new reality, Rose must confront her own troubled past to survive an evil entity that is seemingly preying on her deepest fears. The entity appears to pass from victim to victim, manifesting as a terrifying smile.
Critical Reception
Smile was a surprise commercial and critical success, praised for its intense atmosphere, effective jump scares, and compelling lead performance. While some critics noted familiar horror tropes, the film was widely lauded for its originality and unsettling tone.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its genuinely creepy atmosphere and suspenseful build-up.
- Sosie Bacon delivers a standout performance as the increasingly tormented protagonist.
- While relying on some familiar horror conventions, the film offers a fresh and disturbing take on trauma.
Google audience: Audiences were generally impressed by the film's ability to deliver effective scares and maintain a high level of tension throughout. Many appreciated the unique premise and the psychological depth explored, though some found the ending to be somewhat predictable.
Fun Fact
The film was based on Parker Finn's own 2020 short film "Laura Hasn't Slept", which won an award at the Austin Film Festival.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources