How bloody is it and why is it rated R?

Posted on October 17, 2024 by Kennedy

How bloody is it and why is it rated R?

If your kids start grinning at a commercial for the horror sequel “Smile 2,” don't be too worried, but maybe a little cautious.

Two years after “Smile” became a surprise Halloween hit, the supernatural sequel (in theaters Friday) arrives with a plot that might intrigue a young fan of Taylor Swift or Dua Lipa: a pop sensation (played by ” Aladdin” star Naomi Scott) is haunted by an infectious evil spirit that manifests itself through creepy smiling people. Teens and tweens often love horror, and this film from writer/director Parker Finn has provided additional musical interest, but like the first flick, “Smile 2” is rated R and may not be for everyone. (Maybe not even some adult scaredy-cats!)

Here's what parents of young horror fans – and franchise fans – need to know about “Smile 2”:

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What is the horror sequel “Smile 2” about?

A year after her boyfriend died in a car accident and she was seriously injured, the wildly popular Skye Riley (Scott) makes a comeback with a world tour. Skye is now sober after becoming addicted to alcohol and alcohol, but as the pressure mounts and her back hurts, she turns to drug dealer Lewis (Lukas Gage) for a Vicodin fix. As the last to be haunted by this evil, he freaks out about seeing things and Skye witnesses the possessed Lewis commit suicide, causing her to be haunted by the dark presence and question her feeble mind. Stressful situations, strange fan interactions and a reality-altering nervous breakdown ensue.

Why is Smile 2 rated R?

The film is officially rated R for “strong, bloody violent content, grisly images, language throughout and drug use.” And it delivers in every way. There are several four-letter words used – including lots of shouted F-bombs – and lots of blood and gore.

Wait. How bloody Is “Smile 2”?

It's bloody as hell. Since “Terrifier 3” is currently in the cinema, everything is relative – for example, in “Smile 2” there are no colonoscopies with a chainsaw. However, there are some truly disturbing things, like a man grotesquely repeatedly hitting himself in the face with a 35-pound weight plate at the gym. (Plus, he keeps coming back to remind us and Skye how disgusting that was.) There are also serious knife attacks, spilled guts, and bodies torn apart.

However, it must be acknowledged that the sequel aims more at creating non-violent tension, well-crafted jump scares and the constant feeling that more fear is just around the corner. And “Smile 2” uses the grin as a weapon more effectively than the first film, from a little fangirl and backup dancers haunting Skye to the pop star's mother (Rosemarie DeWitt) and his dead boyfriend (Ray Nicholson, whose smile absolutely does best/worst). .

Is the sequel to “Smile” suitable for 12 year olds?

Probably depends on how bloodthirsty your tween is. Honestly, it's better for kids in their late teens (15 to 18) as there's no sex or nudity, but violence and language are pretty pervasive. Because it's about a pop star beloved by young people, “Smile 2” appeals more to young music lovers than, for example, the similarly themed serial killer dad film “Trap.” So if your child and their friends really want to join in, consider volunteering to be a chaperone.

So is “Smile 2” better than the original?

You can bet on it, in every way. Driven by a never-better Scott, the sequel offers a disturbing but thoughtful look at the celebrity and trauma of Skye's spiraling life and comes across as a wonderfully unhinged horror film that refuses to abandon its protagonist and the audience. While “Smile 2” may not be a suitable entry-level scary film for young children, it could be an entertaining moviegoing experience – or later streaming viewing on Paramount+ – for parents and teenagers who love and respect the genre.

This article is about a depiction of suicide. If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support, please call, text or chat the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 access to free and confidential services.

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