Smile
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to 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.
Things to Consider
Violence
The 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
The movie features frequent and strong profanity, with numerous instances of highly offensive language used throughout. This contributes to the film's R-rating.
Witchcraft & Occult
The 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.
Scary & Intense Content
The 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.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
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.
Good to Know
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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