This film felt like a noticeable step up from the initial movie. Naomi Scott’s performance as Skye Riley is remarkable; she manages to convey genuine feeling and nuance, which makes her character's story captivating and easy to connect with. The increased budget of $28 million—a rise from the first film's $17 million—is clearly visible in the better production values. The initial prologue stands out as especially well-done, immediately establishing a suspenseful and absorbing atmosphere. Director Parker Finn chose a more conventional style, using startling moments and graphic scenes to amplify the horror elements. The story does a good job of confusing what’s genuine and what isn't, which creates a sense of unease and makes you wonder about the truth. Ultimately, *Smile 2* provides an exciting and thought-provoking horror film that is better than the first one in terms of both its plot and how it looks.

Source on TMDB