jonahs1974

This belated sequel delivered from the original writer and director team of the zombie adjacent hit "28 days later", comes with an unexpected turn in the road. This does not follow convention, it is subversive when considering the films and television series that came in the wake of the original. Showing how society breaks down and then is reimagined.

This steps past that, and shows something new, intriguing and unique.

Cut aways are used to show the inspiration and foundation for our characters motivation and direction.

The most challenging aspect of this new offering appears to be the infected and the manner in which this population has evolved and how society has adapted to accomodate their existence.

An allegory for Brexit? If it is I think we know which way the filmmakers voted.

From an alleged television recording from Halloween 1977, we are given unadulterated footage of that nights recording of "Night Owls" a late night talk show hosted by Jack Delroy (David Dastmalchian).

What follows is a descent into the world of the occult with the question of whether there is any substance to this material or if elaborate tricks are being used to manipulate and disturb the audience for the sake of ratings.

This format is copied from the arguably superior "Ghost Watch" made for the BBC back on Halloween night in 1992.

This "programme" is cited in the British Medical Journal as having caused Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in children who saw it when it first aired.

Whilst this is a decent shot at the format, in my opinion it has been bettered.

A combined jump scare and gore fest, Smile 2 does not opt for the often exploited sequel cash grab (rinse, repeat). Instead the stakes are raised and the concept ventures into new territory.

We get the story of Skye Riley a successful pop queen unwittingly initiated into the world of the "Smile" curse, this time we get to experience the effect from someone in a position of significant social standing.

In turn we get to experience the evolving effects of the jinx from this unique point of view, tapping into ochlophobia, glossophobia and stage fright.

This franchise accentuates fear and manifests it in uniquely absurd and disgusting ways.

Recommended for those who are not adverse to a scare or two or at least like to see others going through it!

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