MovieChat Forums > Smile (2022) Discussion > Mixed feelings about the film

Mixed feelings about the film

posted 2 years ago by [deleted]
8 replies | jump to latest

I went and saw Smile today. I have mixed feelings about this one. First, the positives. Sosie Bacon does a great job. The camerawork and score are all really good. The atmosphere is effectively creepy and suspenseful. However, there were some things I didn't like. Parts of the story elements didn't really work for me, there was one scene that I strongly disliked, and the ending wasn't completely satisfying. There are also too many unanswered questions. If you think about Smile too much, the implications of the films become quite disturbing. I'm not sure what the film was trying to say and I don't think I like what it appeared to be saying. Even with those issues that I had with the film, Smile is technically a (mostly) well made horror film boosted by a star making performance from Sosie Bacon. Just a heads up to those considering seeing this that there are some dark and heavy themes that are a core part of the film, including trauma, mental illness, and suicide. If you feel you can handle those and are okay with unanswered questions, you might end up enjoying Smile. My rating is a 7/10.

[–] olioz (3703) 2 years ago

I have mixed feelings about this one too. It started out really strong and had a good enough atmosphere through out the movie, but I feel it relied too much on jump scares. I didn't like how the demon looked at the end. I thought the mouth opening wide and everything were very cliched. I also hated the dream scene, it was horrible and should have been cut out. This one had a lot of potential but didn't quite deliver. Still definitely worth watching. 6,5/10

[–] spacecomedy (2047) 2 years ago

Trying to understand what you meant by this part of your review...
I'm not sure what the film was trying to say and I don't think I like what it appeared to be saying.

What did you think it appeared to be saying?

[–] [deleted] 2 years ago

In order to answer that, I will have to provide spoilers. SPOILERS.... The fact that she was not able to beat (or subdue or even live with) the demon/creature/whatever seems to suggest that a person cannot overcome trauma and the only solution is death or violence against others. It definitely sends a negative message. If you experienced trauma, you are doomed and will end up killing yourself or hurting others. There is no hope for you, it seems to be saying. I would have it liked better if she had beat it or found a way to live with it.

[–] spacecomedy (2047) 2 years ago

I get what you're saying, but there's no denying that some people never do recover from certain traumas. They are "haunted" in a sense for the rest of their lives and sometimes, sadly, do take their own lives. I also would've cheered if Rose had found a way to beat the demon, but I respected that the film took a different approach.

[–] Maximus256 (62) 2 years ago

If you experienced trauma, you are doomed and will end up killing yourself or hurting others. There is no hope for you, it seems to be saying.

Actually, this is basically true if you don't confront and deal with your trauma. It will eat you from the inside out. You'll feel no joy or true happiness in life. You'll just be going thru the motions. It will lead to depression and will infect your relationships (both family and romantic) causing even more trauma. You'll spiral.

Rose had years of opportunities to resolve and overcome the trauma of her mother's death by talking with her therapist. But, instead, she keeps avoiding the therapist (hanging up on her, not taking her calls, etc). At one point, right before receiving a call from the therapist, Rose actually sees an email indicating "last chance". She takes the call but then abruptly hangs up. She was now doomed.

[–] acidraindrop (3055) 2 years ago

I felt similarly. I couldn't really be sure if the film was a much darker, pessimistic version of Babadook, or is it just a "simple" horror movie that's just really good because it's got fantastic cinematography, atmosphere, music, acting, all while being directed masterfully. But the switch up with the ending does seem like the emotional meat was tacked was just tacked on to add a little substance, while not really providing any insight on the related subjects.

[–] gcarras (2772) 2 years ago

Sosie (Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgewick'
s daughter) Bacon did a splendid job..with trippy upside down and angled visuals and also trippy electronic sounding music..gaslight masterpiece..

[–] [deleted] 2 years ago

she was possessed. it's not the first possession movie that ends badly.