Smile (2022) – "It Smiles, But Not Kindly"

This thing killed Moustache.

A psychiatrist witnesses a patient commit suicide right before her eyes. Subsequently, she finds herself haunted by a malevolent force.

*Smile* is a skillful blend of psychological tension and horror, featuring a disturbing array of eerie and macabre smiles. The film bears similarities to *It Follows* in its chain-like mechanics and numerous narrative elements. These predatory grins inevitably create a sense of unease. However, the plot is predictable, with no major twists, and it relies heavily on insidious jump scares—commonplace in today’s horror cinema.

Smile 2 – "It Stares While Smiling"

A pop star is overwhelmed by events both terrifying and perplexing.

The sequel surpasses the original, joining the rare echelon of follow-ups that outshine their predecessors. By reusing the less frantic, less brutal, and less gory mechanics of the first film, *Smile 2* avoids being a mere iteration. It distinguishes itself through its exploration of celebrity culture, critiquing the emptiness and mediocrity of the singer’s lyrics while serving as a commentary on stardom’s links to drug addiction. This nuanced approach elevates the narrative and delivers a sharper edge to the horror.