Netflix

Smile-Netflix Movie| Review

Release date: 18 October 2024 (India)
Director: Parker Finn
Distributed by: Paramount Pictures
Production company: Temple Hill Entertainment

“Smile” is a gripping psychological thriller that weaves a complex narrative around the harrowing experiences of Dr. Rose Cotter, a psychiatrist who witnesses a traumatic incident involving a patient. The patient, after a bizarre and eerie smile, takes her own life in front of Rose, setting off a series of terrifying events. The story delves deep into Rose’s descent into paranoia as she begins to experience the same unsettling phenomena—seeing people with unnervingly wide, sinister smiles that seem to hide a deadly secret.

As Rose investigates further, she uncovers a chilling pattern: everyone who experiences these smiling figures eventually meets a gruesome end, often taking their own life in a twisted and inexplicable manner. The movie cleverly explores themes of trauma, mental illness, and the thin line between reality and delusion, leaving the audience questioning what is real and what is merely a figment of Rose’s unraveling mind.

The tension escalates as Rose becomes increasingly isolated, her friends and colleagues dismissing her fears as paranoia. She discovers that the entity behind the smiles is an ancient, malevolent force that feeds on fear and despair, passing from one victim to the next like a cursed chain. The only way to break the cycle is to commit an unthinkable act—inflict the curse on someone else or take her own life to end the suffering.

In the movie’s climax, Rose confronts the entity, attempting to outsmart it and save herself from the inevitable doom. The battle between Rose and the entity is intense and psychological, culminating in a shocking and ambiguous ending that leaves viewers pondering the nature of the curse and whether Rose truly managed to escape it. The final scenes are a haunting reminder of the enduring power of trauma and the lengths to which one might go to escape it, even if that means passing the burden onto another unsuspecting soul.

Honest Review

“Smile” is a well-crafted thriller that excels in building tension and maintaining a sense of dread throughout. The film’s strong performances, particularly from the lead, add depth to the story, making the psychological horror elements even more compelling. However, the movie sometimes leans heavily on familiar horror tropes, which may feel predictable to seasoned fans of the genre. Despite this, “Smile” manages to deliver a chilling experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

Why to Watch

“Smile” is a must-watch for fans of psychological horror who appreciate a slow-burning narrative that delves into the darker aspects of the human psyche. The film’s exploration of trauma, mental illness, and the supernatural makes it more than just a typical horror movie. With its unsettling atmosphere, strong performances, and thought-provoking themes, “Smile” offers a unique and disturbing cinematic experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top