This horror season has been lambasted with old icons from the past. The Creeper has returned in abysmal fashion. Chucky is set to make a triumphant return to the small screen. The horror nation is in a frenzy over the return of Art The Clown, and last but not least, The Shape is slashing his way to the conclusion of a new trilogy. Fans are excited for the plethora of new releases but continue to crave some new blood. An early eerie trailer for Smile, peaked curious ghouls and gals. Based off of his short film, Laura Hasn’t Slept, writer/director Parker Finn attempts to bring forth a new tale of terror with his debut feature, Smile.
Dr. Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon) is called in to see an emergency admitted patient in the psych ward. The patient is experiencing hallucinations and appears to be having a rather easily diagnosed nervous breakdown. Cotter is informed that the patient had recently witnessed a suicide. The rather routine sessions turns when the new patient completely loses her sanity and takes her own life. The odd turn of events, coupled by exhaustion and a consistent haunting from her past cause Rose to question her sanity. Several events unfold which are similar to the description that her patient gave before taking her life. With the help of an ex-lover, Rose unravels a large sinister scenario that has been playing out for a long time. Fighting against a demonic ticking clock, Rose strives to find answers before her time is up.
Though the plot of Smile will draw comparisons to other entity films such as, It Follows and Truth or Dare, this new demonic tale is far superior to its predecessors. Director Parker Finn presents one of the best shot and paced horror films in the last decade. Shades of Dario Argento litter the film with fantastic shot selections that pan from every angle mixed with terrifically placed score, giving the viewer a gorgeously told tale of terror. Sosie Bacon carries the film as the lead. Bacon portrays her steady slip into madness to perfection with a dramatic and physical performance. Smile has just about all of the hallmarks to become a modern classic. Terrific jump scares, real life believable performances, and perfect pacing that keeps the slow burn tale sparking. Unfortunately, the last twenty minutes just about ruin the film. While Parker gives every indication that he is one to watch, no one on the production appears to have reeled him in at the end. Endings that leave questions and desire for more are staples for the best fright flicks. Parker had several chances to do this near the end of ninety minutes. However, the film spirals into near absurdity for another twenty-five minutes, which takes most of the allure out of the entity and leaves a blotch on Bacon’s performance. Smile is a fantastic way to spend ninety minutes, and a disbelieving way to spend an extra twenty-five. With a more seasoned production team behind him, Parker could very well create new timeless classics. Sadly, Smile will not be one of them.
Scream Score: 7.9/10