
Reviews — Smile
Audience write-ups from TMDB
Sierbahnn
It’s skillfully done and unsettling. The suspense doesn't build consistently, but the frightening moments are well-executed, the performances are strong, and both the direction and script are admirable. The narrative itself is unusual; it’s something I can value, and certainly not a typical offering. I feel this film receives more criticism than it warrants, and that it makes for an enjoyable viewing experience. It's…
Alunauwie
Smile delivers a tense psychological horror experience built on atmosphere rather than sudden shocks, though it’s held back by a flimsy narrative and characters that aren't fully realized. The film creates suspense well through its visuals, sound, and unusual camera techniques; however, the repeated use of certain elements and a foreseeable conclusion lessen the overall effect. Even with some compelling scenes from t…
Narate
The smile is truly awful; I can’t recall ever seeing anything quite like it. While I found the story somewhat foreseeable as it progressed, I still managed to find it entertaining. The final section could be unsettling for viewers not accustomed to graphic imagery, but that's what really made the film stand out for me. It brought to mind "It Follows."
RalphRahal
Smile was enjoyable. It proved to be a dependable horror movie that held my attention throughout, though I felt like something was absent. The initial concept is quite compelling, and it suggests a more profound psychological examination that I anticipated, but the film didn’t completely satisfy in that regard. Sosie Bacon offered a commendable portrayal of Dr. Rose Cotter, and the filmmakers were successful in cr…
r96sk
It's appropriately disturbing, though its impact diminishes somewhat over time. The 2022 movie *’Smile’* remains a worthwhile watch overall. The initial concept promises enjoyment and I can confirm that it delivers on that front, at least in my experience. I appreciate the explanation of how and why the central idea functions as it does; Rob Morgan's appearance is especially strong in that respect. Sosie Bacon …
Dean
One of the things that stood out to me about this film is how original it feels; it doesn’t seem like a derivative work, which is refreshing compared to what we often get now. The narrative itself felt distinctive. Another aspect I appreciated was the level of fear it generates—it's genuinely unsettling. If you enjoy horror films, I think this one is worth checking out. My recommendation would be to watch it in a dar…
tmdb46047577
Following a strange and disturbing event with one of her patients, Dr. Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon) finds herself confronted by inexplicable events. As an increasing sense of fear consumes her existence, she is compelled to examine what happened before if she wants to live and break free from this frightening situation. I thought this film was quite good; the performances are strong, the cinematography is pleasing, …
JPV852
There were definitely unsettling scenes, and Sosie Bacon gave a solid performance; however, this supernatural horror movie didn’t really grab me, and the plot felt quite foreseeable. I guess it could be a passable way to use up two hours, and given that it's available on Paramount+, it might be worth checking out if you generally enjoy this genre of film. **3.0/5**
Horseface
Goodness gracious! 😱 It’s truly the most frightening horror I’ve encountered since The Ring. Maybe ever. Wow. I’m relieved there's still time to watch something suitable for children before bedtime. At 45 years old, I honestly believed I wouldn't be this terrified by a horror film again 😂 This is absolutely brilliant. There isn't one alteration I would make. Turn on that OLED screen, dim the lights, and please, put…
Manuel São Bento
The positive attention "Smile" has garnered since its release is well-deserved. Director Parker Finn’s first film demonstrates a remarkable ability to build suspense, which leads to some genuinely startling moments. The audio work contributes significantly to the movie's atmosphere, something not often found in horror. However, what really holds your interest is the story itself and how it focuses on the character…
CinemaSerf
The film centers on Dr. Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon), a psychologist whose life is upended when she observes a disturbing suicide within the hospital where she works. Following this traumatic event, unsettling occurrences begin to plague her own existence. Her romantic partnership falters, and she seems increasingly disconnected from reality. The narrative raises questions about what’s happening to her and whether she's…
Nathan
Having watched countless horror movies, I can honestly say that *Smile* really got to me. A lot of modern horror films seem to depend entirely on jump scares for impact. However, in *Smile*, Parker Finn manages to create suspense and build tension within scenes so that when the jump scare arrives, it’s anticipated but still elicits a visceral reaction from viewers. The movie doesn't necessarily reinvent plot or st…
The Movie Mob
The marketing for Smile really stood out, and those initial previews were the strongest aspect of the entire film; what followed felt thin on substance and relied heavily on jarring sound design and an excessive number of sudden shocks. Smile seemed determined to create a constant atmosphere of dread, but the music and audio cues instead just made things feel unpleasant. The storyline had echoes of It Follows, tho…


