description Smile Overview
Smile is a highly effective modern horror film that excels at building tension through its unsettling central premise. When a therapist witnesses a bizarre, traumatic incident, she finds herself haunted by a malevolent entity that manifests as a terrifying, unblinking smile. The film is masterfully paced, using jump scares effectively to punctuate its psychological dread. It is a great example of how to take a simple, creepy concept and expand it into a full-length feature that keeps the audience on edge from start to finish.
Perfect for those who enjoy a mix of psychological tension and effective, well-timed scares.
info Smile Specifications
| Genre | Horror / Psychological Thriller |
| Rating | R (Violence, Disturbing Behavior, Language, Some Drug Use) |
| Runtime | 115 minutes |
| Based On | Short film 'Laura Hasn't Slept' (2021) by Parker Finn |
| Director | Parker Finn |
| Lead Cast | Sosie Bacon, Jesse T. Usher, Kyle Gallner, Robin Weigert |
| Distributor | Paramount Pictures |
| Release Year | 2022 |
| Production Budget | Approximately $17 million |
| Box Office Performance | Over $217 million worldwide |
balance Smile Pros & Cons
- Masterfully builds sustained tension through atmospheric dread rather than relying solely on jump scares
- Sosie Bacon delivers a deeply committed and emotionally vulnerable lead performance as Dr. Rose Cotter
- Innovative horror premise centered on a smiling entity provides fresh take on supernatural terror
- Parker Finn's direction demonstrates exceptional craft in visual composition and pacing
- Superb sound design and score amplify psychological unease throughout the film
- Strong emotional core explores trauma and grief themes with genuine depth
- Second half experiences noticeable pacing decline compared to the gripping first hour
- Third act resolution feels somewhat rushed and conventional after building such originality
- Supporting characters lack sufficient development or backstory depth
- Familiar horror tropes and genre conventions reduce unpredictability in certain sequences
- Intense content and imagery may alienate viewers with lower tolerance for disturbing scenes
help Smile FAQ
Is Smile based on a true story?
No, Smile is not based on a true story. It was inspired by and expands upon Parker Finn's 2021 short film 'Laura Hasn't Slept,' which he also wrote and directed.
What is the runtime and rating of Smile?
Smile has an R rating for violent content, disturbing behavior, language, and some drug use. The theatrical runtime is approximately 115 minutes (1 hour 55 minutes).
Where can I stream Smile after its theatrical run?
Smile became available for streaming on Paramount+ after its theatrical release. Digital rental and purchase options are also available through platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu.
What horror movies are similar to Smile?
Fans of Smile may also enjoy 'The Black Phone,' 'The Invisible Man,' 'It Follows,' and 'Smile's spiritual predecessor 'Laura Hasn't Slept' short film, all featuring psychological horror with supernatural elements.
What is Smile?
How good is Smile?
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What is Smile best for?
Horror enthusiasts seeking an original, psychologically unsettling supernatural thriller with exceptional tension-building and strong lead performance.
How does Smile compare to The Conversation?
Is Smile worth it in 2026?
What are the key specifications of Smile?
- Genre: Horror / Psychological Thriller
- Rating: R (Violence, Disturbing Behavior, Language, Some Drug Use)
- Runtime: 115 minutes
- Based On: Short film 'Laura Hasn't Slept' (2021) by Parker Finn
- Director: Parker Finn
- Lead Cast: Sosie Bacon, Jesse T. Usher, Kyle Gallner, Robin Weigert
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