Now, this is my kind of movie!

Smile (2022) is an unsettling and incredibly effective psychological horror film worth multiple viewings. After seeing it twice, I can confidently say it gets better each time. Directed by Parker Finn, the film explores a unique and terrifying concept: trauma as a contagious entity that spreads from person to person, feeding off fear.

The plot follows Dr. Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon), a therapist who becomes entangled in a nightmarish series of events after witnessing one of her patients die by suicide in front of her—while smiling. What begins as a tragic incident spirals into a chilling and suspenseful journey as Rose starts experiencing terrifying hallucinations and is plagued by eerie smiles from those around her.

What makes Smile stand out is its slow-burn tension. Finn masterfully builds suspense throughout the film, and the creepy smiles, which initially seem simple, become increasingly sinister. The sound design and eerie score contribute to the constant feeling of dread, keeping viewers on edge. The practical effects and jump scares are well-timed and pack a punch, but the real horror lies in the film’s exploration of trauma and mental illness.

Sosie Bacon’s performance is stellar, conveying emotions from disbelief to desperation. Her descent into paranoia and fear feels raw and believable, which adds to the overall unsettling atmosphere. The movie also touches on themes of guilt, grief, and the cyclical nature of trauma, giving it more depth than a typical horror flick.

Smile is more than just a jump-scare fest—it’s a psychological horror that sticks with you long after the credits roll. Its eerie visuals, unsettling atmosphere, and how it makes you second-guess every smile you see make it an experience you want to revisit. If you’re a fan of horror that gets under your skin and plays with your mind, this is a must-watch.

On my bat scale, 1 being "meh" and 5 being "I can’t sleep tonight,” it’s a belfrey!