A Haunting, Dreamlike Ordeal: Smile Unveiled
In the world of horror films, some strive to send shivers down your spine, while others aim to keep you on the edge of your seat. But Parker Finn, the director of "Smile," had his sights set on something far more unnerving: a film that feels like a never-ending bout of panic from start to finish.
"Smile," a psychological horror tale about a dedicated psychiatrist named Dr. Rose Cotter, takes its roots from Finn's short film, "Laura Hasn't Slept." Released in 2022, "Smile" took the horror world by storm, leaving viewers squirming in their seats long after the credits rolled.
Following a traumatic encounter with a patient, Dr. Rose Cotter starts experiencing inexplicable occurrences with a spine-chilling twist. As terror threatens to consume her life, she must confront her dark past and unravel the horrifying mystery plaguing her.
Inspired by "Laura Hasn't Slept," "Smile" takes the story to new heights, exploring the disturbing concept of your mind turning against you. Finn describes this feeling as the dread you get when you wake up from a bad dream, the lingering sensation of panicky doom that stays with you long after you realize it wasn't real.
The sinister force relentlessly pursuing Rose manifests in numerous chilling ways, but none more terrifying than the sickly grins affixed to the faces of her friends and acquaintances. These sinister smiles signal the presence of evil and drive Rose closer to the brink of madness.
Finn chose the ubiquitous smile as the physical representation of evil in the film because of the emotional power of the inherent contradiction. Smiles trigger something primal within us, and Finn wanted to take advantage of that comforting facial expression to skewer it and turn it into a terrifying threat.
Adding to the unique horror of the film, "Smile" combines physical and emotional scares in a rare way that few horror movies do, leaving viewers with a much more visceral experience.
With a deep-rooted knowledge of cinema history and a passion for all things horror, director of photography Charlie Sarroff joined forces with Finn to create a visually stunning film that elevates the story and sends shivers down your spine.
Through the unconventional pairing of extreme wide-angle shots and extreme close-ups, they ensured that the audience stays on edge and in a state of constant suspense.
As production ramp-up began, producer Robert Salerno joined the project, impressed by Finn's uncanny ability to create something visceral and disturbing. Over time, they added more incredible scares and energy to the story, fully realizing Finn's unique vision.
"Smile" centers on Dr. Rose Cotter, a committed psychiatrist whose life spirals out of control as an evil force targets her. As she struggles to convince her loved ones that the supernatural nightmare she's experiencing is real, she begins suspecting that the darkness within her may be impossible to escape.
To portray Rose, Finn knew he needed an actress with the ability to seamlessly blend the film's dramatic and horror elements. Sosie Bacon, with her innate warmth and natural talent for emotional intensity, was the perfect choice. Her captivating performance keeps viewers immersed in the harrowing tale, rooting for Rose through every terrifying step of her journey.
Bacon's stellar performance, combined with the movie's mind-bending plot and chilling visuals, mark "Smile" as an unforgettable psychological horror experience that burrows into your brain and leaves you questioning reality long after the lights come back on.
"Smile," created by Parker Finn, a director passionate about blending creative writing and entertainment, is a psychological horror movie that ventures into the realm of 'movies-and-tv.' As a continuation of his short film, "Laura Hasn't Slept," it explores the horrifying concept of mental terror and the feeling of being haunted by a bad dream, even after waking up.
Finn's "Smile" stands out in the horror genre by not only offering physical scares but also delving into the emotional traumas of the characters, resulting in a more intensive viewer experience.
