21/31
Rose Cotter: What are you?
Chronology
After witnessing a bizarre, traumatic incident involving a patient, a psychiatrist becomes increasingly convinced that the patient is being threatened by a sinister entity. A few days before the September 30, 2022 release, actors from the film showed up at various baseball games, sitting motionless and smiling behind home base, staring into the camera and remaining motionless despite fans in the audience being understandably concerned, and wearing Smile shirts. Another soon appeared in the background with the crowd during the Today show. At approximately 31 minutes, Rose breaks a glass when her alarm goes off. When the glass is shown at her feet, she is wearing socks. A few seconds later, when she checks the door, she is wearing lace-up shoes. Based on what happens later at a party, there are several continuity issues that may not be «mistakes» but were actually intentionally created to show «fractions» in Rose’s consciousness/sanity.
Why are you doing this to me?
The Abomination: Because your mind is so inviting.. The opening and closing Paramount logos feature a curved line in the shape of a smile at the base of the mountain. Included in Chris Stuckmann Movie Reviews: Smile (2022). LollipopWritten by Beverley Ross & Julius DixonPerformed by The Chordettes. Rose Cotter is a therapist in a psychiatric emergency room. One day, Laura, a young student, is brought in for observation. After witnessing her professor’s brutal suicide, she appears to be suffering from extreme post-traumatic stress disorder.
Suddenly, she becomes calm, smiling unnaturally, before slitting her throat
As Rose talks to Laura, the girl becomes more and more frightened, claiming that an invisible entity is about to kill her. Afterward, bizarre events convince Rose that the entity is now stalking her; and that she is the next victim. Parker Finn’s Smile is a disturbing horror film and a chilling examination of the lasting effects of trauma. Finn’s narrative asserts that trauma affects every aspect of life and can be transmitted to others through one’s actions. Although comparisons to David Robert Mitchell’s It Follows are inevitable, Parker’s take on the film’s thesis feels fresh and innovative. Traumatic effects — such as hallucinations, paranoia, and guilt — are cleverly woven into Finn’s narrative, adding to the psychological horror within. The film is suspenseful and has an intoxicating atmosphere of fear throughout.
Tapia de Veer’s work enhances the film’s impact immensely
Although the ending is underwhelming, the journey there is gripping and eerie. Finn makes excellent use of jump scares, which often feel like a cheap way to startle viewers. That’s not the case here, as they reinforce Rose’s paranoid state. 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 her version of reality. Culturally relevant and unsettling, Finn’s film makes for a wild and devilish ride. For a horror film to be successful, good sound design is necessary; Finn’s sound department has created a haunting and unsettling environment of terror. Cristobal Tapia de Veer’s score adds to the uncomfortable atmosphere, becoming chaotically dissonant as Rose sinks deeper into paranoid fear, reminiscent in places of Dario Argento and Goblin’s score for Suspiria.
Likewise, Charlie Sarroff’s unconventional cinematography enhances the picture’s unsettled atmosphere
His striking and creative use of low angle shots, handheld camera shots, and zooms creates a sense of unpredictable instability. Under Finn’s direction, his use of lighting creates contrast and mood, while his image composition enhances the film’s horror. He uses symmetry, asymmetry and negative space to create imbalance, tension and emptiness – depending on the needs of the scene.