A parent's guide to 'Smile 2': Is the R-rated movie suitable for tweens, teens?

If your kids start grinning at a commercial for the horror sequel “Smile 2,” don't be too worried but maybe a little cautious.

Two years after “Smile” became a surprise Halloween hit, the supernatural sequel (in theaters Friday) arrives with a plot that might intrigue a young fan of Taylor Swift or Dua Lipa: a pop sensation (played by “Aladdin” star Naomi Scott) is haunted by an infectious evil spirit that presents itself via eerie smiling people. Teens and tweens often embrace horror, and this film from writer/director Parker Finn has added musical interest, but like the first flick, “Smile 2” is rated R and might not be for everyone. (Maybe not even some scaredy-cat adults!)

Here’s what parents of young horror fiends – and franchise fans – need to know about “Smile 2”:

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What is the horror sequel ‘Smile 2’ about?

A year after a car accident killed her boyfriend and left her seriously injured, the mega-popular Skye Riley (Scott) is mounting a comeback with a world tour. Skye is now sober after being hooked on booze and alcohol but with pressure mounting and her back hurting, she reaches out to drug dealer Lewis (Lukas Gage) for a Vicodin hookup. The latest to be visited by this evil, he’s freaking out because he’s seeing things and Skye witnesses the possessed Lewis commit suicide, causing her to become haunted by the dark presence and doing a number on her tenuous hold on sanity. Stressful situations, weird fan interactions and a reality-bending mental breakdown ensue.

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Why is ‘Smile 2’ rated R?

The movie is officially rated R for “strong bloody violent content, grisly images, language throughout and drug use.” And it delivers on all counts. There are multiple four-letter words used – including many screamed f-bombs – and a whole lot of blood and gore. 

Wait. Just how gory is ‘Smile 2’?

It’s pretty darn gory. With “Terrifier 3” also in theaters right now, it’s all relative – for example, no chainsaw colonoscopies unfold in “Smile 2.” There is some seriously disturbing stuff, however, like a guy repeatedly bashing his face in with a 35-pound gym weight plate to a grotesque degree. (Plus, he comes back again and again to give us and Skye a reminder of how gross that was.) There are also severe stabbings, spilled guts and bodies ripped apart. 

Yet to its credit, the sequel actually does leans more into creating non-violent tension, well-done jump scares and a constant feeling that more dread is right around the corner. And “Smile 2” weaponizes grins more effectively than the first film, from a little fan girl and backup dancers that haunt Skye to the pop star’s mom (Rosemarie DeWitt) and dead boyfriend (Ray Nicholson, whose smile is the absolute best/worst).

Is the ‘Smile’ sequel OK for 12-year-olds?

Probably depends on how much of a gore hound your tween is. It’s honestly better for kids in their late teens (15 to 18), as there’s no sex or nudity but the violence and language are fairly pervasive. Because it involves a pop star beloved by youngsters, “Smile 2” appeals to young music lovers more than, say, the similarly themed serial-killer dad movie “Trap,” so maybe if your kid and their friends yearn to go, volunteer to chaperone.

So, is ‘Smile 2’ better than the original?

You bet, in every way. Powered by a never-better Scott, the sequel boasts an unnerving but thoughtful look at celebrity and trauma with Skye’s life spiral, and is effective as a wonderfully unhinged horror flick that refuses to let up on its main character and the audience. While it’s not an appropriate gateway scary movie for little kids, “Smile 2” could make for a fun outing to the theater – or a future streaming viewing on Paramount+ – for a parent and teen who both love and respect the genre.

This article discusses a depiction of suicide. If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support, please call, text or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 access to free and confidential services.