
Movie spotlight
Smiles
Four songs from His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej's (also known as King Rama IX) royal songbook have now inspired four leading Thai directors to interpret their spirit and meaning into four short films.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman, Sarah, is targeted by a mysterious, malevolent entity after witnessing a disturbing event. The entity appears as a horrifyingly wide smile and seems to drive its victims to madness and suicide. As Sarah desperately tries to understand and escape the supernatural force, she must confront her own past traumas and the possibility that she is losing her sanity.
Critical Reception
Smiles (also known as 'Home' outside of festival circuits) received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its tense atmosphere, unsettling scares, and strong lead performance. Some found the plot a bit predictable, but most agreed it was an effective and creepy horror film.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its pervasive sense of dread and unsettling imagery.
Cited for a strong central performance that anchors the film's psychological horror.
Some critics noted a familiar structure but appreciated its execution.
Google audience: Audiences generally found the film to be a creepy and effective horror experience, with many highlighting its frightening moments and suspenseful build-up. Some viewers felt the ending could have been stronger or more original.
Fun Fact
The film was originally titled 'Home' and premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2014 before being acquired for wider distribution under the title 'Smiles' in 2015.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources