To join the chorus: "Smile 2" is a career-making film for Naomi Scott, and it's a rare sequel because it outshines its predecessor.
The bizarre plot has Scott spiraling, in late stages of addiction, when a near-fatal car crash causes her to reassess her life. She rebounds. She assumes a Taylor Swift-esque role in a global tour. At the same time, unfortunately, she becomes "infected" by a demon--and the demon-virus pushes her toward suicide.
We are all at war with ourselves. "Smile 2"--with its international acclaim vs. self-mutilation setup--simply finds a way to raise "normal" stakes. The most fascinating part of the story involves Scott's mother, Rosemarie DeWitt. We're led to think that DeWitt has her child's interests at heart--"I've sacrificed so much!"--but perhaps the truth is murkier than that. (The screenwriter seems to be thinking about Amy Winehouse's father, who is famous for having exploited his own daughter, pushing her to skip rehab and make money when all signs said, "Bad idea.")
DeWitt requires Scott to speak at a charity event for "underserved teens" with creative aspirations. (There is a financial calculation at work here.) Scott's teleprompter breaks, and the ensuing honest "speech" is funny and mesmerizing.
I had a great time, start to finish.
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