A Smiling Face Can Terrify You The horror film “Smile” burst into my attention quite unexpectedly. Several websites and bloggers started talking about it all at once. From what I’d heard, the project was originally meant to go straight to video, but the studio decided to release it theatrically instead — and that turned out to be a brilliant move. Even without a large marketing campaign, the film, made on a modest $17 million budget (even by horror standards), grossed over $200 million worldwide. A huge success — and well deserved. The story, at first glance, feels familiar — we’ve seen similar ideas before — but for me, it still came across as fresh and distinct. A mysterious entity begins haunting the protagonist, and something as ordinary and friendly as a smile, once a universal gesture of warmth and connection, suddenly becomes something sinister and threatening. The opening scenes immediately draw you in. And although the filmmakers rely on familiar horror techniques — jump scares, sudden loud noises, quick camera cuts — they use them effectively and sparingly, creating a proper chilling atmosphere. You can feel right away that this is a well-made horror film with a strong story, excellent performances, and a fittingly oppressive tone. The ominous music, dark lighting, and muted colors all work together perfectly. The cast deserves praise. Every character feels believable. The lead actress, Sosie Bacon, earns both sympathy and empathy as her character finds herself completely alone against a supernatural evil. Her friends and family abandon her — understandably so, since her behavior seems increasingly unstable and dangerous, even to those closest to her. The birthday party scene is a real highlight — it left me staring wide-eyed at the screen. Imagining such a situation happening in real life would be pure nightmare fuel. Caitlin Stasey also deserves a mention — her character sets the entire story in motion. She’s a lovely actress, but after this film, that smile of hers will probably make many viewers uneasy. A small role, but a very memorable and crucial one. The film’s mystery aspect is engaging too. Rose, the main character, tries to uncover what exactly is haunting her. Despite everything she goes through — the hallucinations, the trauma, and the total lack of support — she stays determined and composed. There’s cruel irony in the fact that she’s a psychiatrist — someone trained to treat others — who finds herself labeled as insane. But it’s precisely her professional background and inner strength that help her fight back against the horrors. That said, I did find one significant flaw. It’s hard to put into words, but the third act lost me completely. Once the mystery and investigation element faded, the story became predictable and less engaging. I could see every twist coming, and the ending felt a bit underwhelming — not bad, just uninspired. All in all, “Smile” is a good horror film. It’s a bit drawn out and not exactly groundbreaking for its genre, but it’s well-crafted, effective, and absolutely worth watching. 7 out of 10