Smile
Smile is a 2022 supernatural psychological horror film that follows Dr. Rose Cotter, a therapist whose life spirals into a terrifying nightmare after witnessing a patient's bizarre suicide. The film delves into themes of trauma, mental health, and the inescapable nature of a malevolent entity that feeds on despair and spreads through witnessing horrific deaths. It features intense psychological scares, graphic violence, and a pervasive sense of dread, making it suitable for mature audiences. A sequel, "Smile 2," was released in October 2024, continuing the franchise's exploration of new and disturbing horror elements.
Concerns
Violence
HighThe film contains strong and graphic depictions of violence, particularly focused on suicide and gruesome imagery. These scenes are central to the plot, showing the transfer and impact of the curse.
The opening scene features Laura Weaver fatally slitting her own throat with a shard of a vase, an act witnessed by Dr. Rose Cotter, with explicit visual detail. Later in the film, Rose Cotter, under the entity's influence, sets herself on fire, resulting in a graphic death. Another disturbing instance includes the implied off-screen throat-slitting of Rose's cat, 'Mustache,' with its deceased body later shown.
Profanity
HighThe movie features frequent and strong profanity, with numerous instances of highly offensive language used throughout. This contributes to the film's R-rating.
The 'f-word' is reportedly used approximately 50 times throughout the film. The 's-word' is used around 10 times, alongside other occasional mild swears.
Witchcraft & Occult
HighThe core premise of "Smile" is deeply rooted in supernatural and occult themes, revolving around a malevolent entity that operates as a curse. This entity causes victims to experience terrifying hallucinations before compelling them to commit suicide.
The central antagonist is a demonic entity or 'evil spirit' that feeds on trauma and passes itself from victim to witness through a gruesome suicide. This entity possesses abilities such as creating disturbing hallucinations, shapeshifting into familiar people (alive or dead, including Rose's deceased mother), and mind control, making victims question their sanity.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe film is intensely scary and disturbing, relying heavily on psychological horror, jump scares, and gruesome imagery to create a relentless atmosphere of dread. The content aims to be unsettling and is not suitable for younger viewers.
The movie is packed with numerous jump scares, often following slow-burn tension, designed for maximum impact. Disturbing imagery includes the 'Monstrosity's' true form, a skinless humanoid creature with multiple malformed jaws, and a hallucination of Rose's sister Holly with an unnaturally twisted neck and smiling face.
Substance Use
MediumThe film includes moderate instances of adult characters consuming alcohol, and there is a significant plot point referencing past drug abuse.
Adult characters, including Rose, are occasionally shown drinking wine. A crucial backstory element involves Rose witnessing her mentally ill mother die from an overdose, explicitly referencing drug abuse as a cause of death.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe film depicts significant disrespect and strained relationships, particularly surrounding Rose's mental state. Her concerns are frequently dismissed, leading to conflict and isolation.
Rose experiences a strained relationship with her sister, Holly, and her fiancé, Trevor, who both attribute her terrifying experiences to mental illness, dismissing her claims of a supernatural curse and contributing to her isolation. Characters use harsh terms like 'nutjobs' and 'crazies' to describe mentally ill individuals, reflecting a societal disrespect for those struggling with mental health.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
LowThe movie "Smile" (2022) does not feature any explicit LGBTQ+ characters, themes, or representation. Extensive searches for LGBTQ+ content, characters, or creator statements related to the film yielded no relevant results. The narrative focuses entirely on heterosexual relationships and gender identities.
No specific LGBTQ+ characters, relationships, or themes are present or discussed within the film. The main characters, Dr. Rose Cotter and her fiancé Trevor, are in a heterosexual relationship.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowRomantic content is present but mild, focusing on a committed relationship. Sexual content is minimal and non-explicit, primarily involving brief, non-graphic visuals.
Rose Cotter is briefly seen in her bra and later in the shower, but no nudity is depicted. Rose and her fiancé Trevor are shown kissing occasionally, indicating their romantic relationship.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowWhile the film features a malevolent, demonic entity that can be interpreted spiritually, it does not explicitly contain anti-Christian themes. There is no direct mockery, criticism, or sacrilegious portrayal of Christian beliefs, symbols, or figures.
The entity is referred to as a 'demon or evil spirit' but without specific ties to Christian theological frameworks. The narrative does not include any scenes or dialogue that actively promote anti-Christian messages or depict the desecration of Christian symbols. The spiritual conflict is presented in a generic horror context rather than a specifically anti-religious one.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
R-rated, recommended for ages 17+ due to strong violent content, grisly images, psychological horror, and pervasive strong language. Common Sense Media specifically suggests it for teens 16 and up.
Additional Notes
The film's central metaphor revolves around trauma and mental health, portraying how unchecked psychological distress can be a breeding ground for malevolent forces. The psychological torment inflicted upon the protagonist is as significant as the visual horror. "Smile 2" continues the narrative with a new protagonist, Skye Riley, a pop star, and aims to deliver new and different scares, suggesting that the themes of trauma and a relentless entity will persist.
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