Reviews by:
@augustkellerwrites
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Smile is effective. Its unoriginal curse plot is utilized as an allegory for trauma's contagious nature. Unfortunately, the film often chooses tropes over themes, making that substance somewhat superficial. Still, Smile deserves credit for attempting to mix entertainment with meaning. Similarly, the dialogue oddly swings between subtle and blunt. Meanwhile, exposition is obvious, characters are generic (despite solid backstories), and the ending undermines the metaphor. However, because the acting is strong (complete with extreme distress, trembling mannerisms, and believable growth), Smile should keep viewers emotionally invested throughout.
Technically, Smile is skilled. Its layered sound uses unsettling stings, split cuts, smash cuts, ambiance, distortions, rhythm, and silence. Often, that blends into the bizarre, trans-diegetic, and cued soundtrack. Jump scares are overabundant, but they're executed with tense craft. Next, the visuals add movement, upside-down shots, focus, shadows, framing, and angles. These techniques sometimes feel arbitrary, but they're generally implemented well. Plus, the deliberate editing employs emotional inserts, suspenseful pacing, and abstract cuts. Finally, there are tangible effects, significant monster designs, and psychological direction. Overall, Smile properly follows a familiar recipe.
Writing: 4/10
Direction: 7/10
Cinematography: 7/10
Acting: 8/10
Editing: 7/10
Sound: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 8/10
Production Design: 6/10
Casting: 5/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 6.7/10
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