Smile 2, now playing in theaters, hits harder than its predecessor on many levels and its final moments more than set the stage for yet another sequel from writer-director Finn Parker. While the new film maintains the psychological horror of the first, it offers new heights when it comes to gore and lore. Rather than being a straightforward sequel that follows Joel’s (returning actor Kyle Gallner) last seven days after catching the smiling curse, Smile 2 starts with his final moments and makes its way to singing sensation Skye Riley (Aladdin‘s Naomi Scott).