44/17
Rose Cotter: What are you?
Tale
After witnessing a strange and traumatic incident involving a patient, a psychiatrist becomes increasingly convinced that she is being threatened by a strange entity. A few days before the September 30, 2022 release, the actors in the film appeared at several baseball games, sitting behind home plate, motionless and smiling as they stared at the camera, motionless despite the understandably worried fans of The Audience, while wearing Smile T-shirts. Another soon appeared in the background with the crowd during the Today show. About 31 minutes in, Rose breaks a glass when the alarm goes off. When the glass is shown at his feet, he is wearing socks. A few seconds later, as he checks the door, he is wearing shoes with laces. Based on what happens later at a party, there are several continuity issues that may not be “errors” but may actually be deliberate to show “breaks” in Rose’s consciousness/sanity.
Why are you doing this to me?
The Monstrosity: Because Your Mind Is So Welcoming… Paramount’s opening and closing logos feature a curved line in the shape of a smile at the base of the mountain. Featured in Chris Stuckmann’s film reviews: Smile (2022). Lollipop written by Beverley Ross and Julius Dixon starring The Chordettes. Rose Cotter is a therapist in an emergency psychiatric ward. One day, Laura, a young student, is brought in for observation. After witnessing her teacher’s brutal suicide, he appears to be suffering from extreme PTSD.
The film is suspenseful, with an intoxicating atmosphere of terror
As Rose talks to Laura, the girl becomes increasingly frightened and claims that an unseen entity is about to kill her. Suddenly, he calms down, smiling unnaturally, before slitting his own throat. Then, strange events convince Rose that the entity is now stalking her; and that she is its next victim. A disconcerting horror, Parker Finn’s “Smile” is a chilling examination of the lingering effects of trauma. Finn’s narrative argues that trauma affects every aspect of a person’s life and can be passed on to others through their actions. While comparisons to David Robert Mitchell’s It Follows are inevitable, Parker’s handling of the film’s thesis feels fresh and innovative. Traumatic effects such as hallucinations, paranoia, and guilt are skillfully woven into Finn’s narrative, heightening the psychological horror contained within.
Here they don’t, as they intensify Rose’s paranoid state
While the ending is disappointing, the journey to it is compelling and sinister. Finn makes excellent use of jump scares, which often feel like a cheap way to make viewers jump. His characterization is strong, as is his dialogue, and we believe and sympathize with Rose; even if we’re not sure whether or not we can trust his version of reality. Culturally relevant and disturbing, Finn’s film offers a wild and diabolical ride. For a horror film to succeed, good sound design is essential; Finn’s sound department created an immersive and unsettling environment of terror. Cristóbal Tapia de Veer’s score adds to the unsettling atmosphere, becoming chaotically dissonant as Rose sinks deeper into paranoid dread. At times reminiscent of Dario Argento and Goblin’s score for ‘Suspiria’, Tapia de Veer’s work greatly enhances the film’s impact.
Likewise, Charlie Sarroff’s unconventional cinematography enhances the film’s unsettling atmosphere
Distinctive and creative, the use of low angles, handheld shots and zooms promotes a sense of unpredictable instability. Under Finn’s direction, his implementation of lighting creates contrast and atmosphere, while his shot composition also contributes to the film’s terror. He uses symmetry, asymmetry and negative space to create imbalance, tension and emptiness; depending on the needs of the scene.