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Smile 4K UHD Review

“Smile” is one of 2022’s best horror films. 

Based on the short film “Laura Hasn’t Slept,” “Smile” is a psychological horror film about a psychiatrist (Dr. Rose Cotter) who meets a patient (Laura) that sets off a disturbing chain of events that will forever change Rose’s life. Laura had witnessed a traumatizing suicide, but there’s more to the story than just that. There seems to be an entity with a ghastly smile that haunts Laura and claims she will die. The prediction comes true in a horrifying fashion and Rose soon finds herself suffering from the same affliction as Laura. As Rose attempts to investigate the situation with the help of her former boyfriend and cop (Joel), she discovers that she is running out of time before she suffers the same fate as Laura. 

“Smile” became one of the few breakout hits of the year and it’s not hard to see why. Not only is it a chilling horror film that will undoubtedly spark a new franchise, but it’s a horror movie about something. The subject in question is mental health which is an all important topic in this day and age. Instead of being a cheap jump scare filled horror movie, writer/director Parker Finn created a thoughtful story that explores mental health, violence, and trauma. The story even unfolds in a nightmarish way that replicates an anxiety/panic attack and or a mental breakdown which makes it all the more effective. Yes, the structure and story beats bear a striking resemblance to “The Ring” (perhaps too much), but it doesn’t detract from what is otherwise a provoking supernatural horror tale that offers up some chilling scares along the way (those unnatural smiles will give you the creeps for sure).

Kevin Bacon is no stranger to horror fare and now his daughter Sosie Bacon is following in his footsteps as the lead character Rose. She does a superb job shouldering the film with an admittedly taxing and challenging role. Kyle Gallner is having a nice career resurgence  this year which is nice to see as the underrated actor wasn’t getting the greatest of roles the past few years.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.00:1 2160p. How does it look? The transfer is so pristine you might start smiling in an eerie fashion.

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? An effective track that handles all the sound effects and eerie music cues well.

Extras:
* Digital copy
* Commentary by director Parker Finn.
* 2 deleted scenes with optional commentary by Parker Finn.
* “Flies On The Wall: Inside The Score” music featurette.
* The 29 minute “Something’s Wrong With Rose: Making Smile” contains interviews, set footage, discussions about the short film the film was based on, the characters, and the production, and more.
* The centerpiece of the bonus features is the creepy original 2020 short film “Smile” is based on titled “Laura Hasn’t Slept.” An intro by director Parker Finn is included.

December 11, 2022 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Horror Movie, Laura Hasn't Slept, Smile, Smile 4K UHD Review, Smile Movie