In Parker Finn’s psychological horror film “Smile,” the unsettling power of grief and trauma takes center stage, leaving viewers with a haunting exploration of the darkness that resides within us all.
The movie, based on Finn’s short film “Laura Hasn’t Slept,” follows the harrowing journey of Dr. Rose Cotter, played by the talented Sosie Bacon.
The story unfolds as Dr. Rose, a therapist, finds herself plagued by hallucinations following a patient’s tragic suicide. This patient, Laura (Caitlin Stacey), had witnessed her professor’s own chilling demise and subsequently became the target of a malevolent presence marked by a sinister smile.
Smile Ending Explained
As Dr. Rose delves deeper into Laura’s troubled past, she finds herself ensnared in a web of terror and despair. As the film progresses, the audience is left wondering if there is any escape from the relentless curse that haunts Dr. Rose.
Similar to the relentless forces of fate in movies like “The Ring” and “It Follows,” the Smile entity seems to move from victim to victim, leaving a trail of despair in its wake.
Yet, what truly makes “Smile” so chilling is its unflinching exploration of how trauma and grief can consume a person until all hope is lost. The film’s ending serves as a stark reminder that things don’t always work out, leaving a lasting impact on viewers long after the final scene fades.
As Dr. Rose’s life spirals further into darkness, she seeks answers alongside her police officer ex, Joel (Kyle Gallner). Together, they uncover a disturbing pattern — Smile-related deaths are linked to witnesses of suicide, each passing the curse to the next unfortunate soul.
The entity, as revealed by a prisoner named Robert Talley (Rob Morgan), feeds on the trauma of its victims, perpetuating a cycle of horror.
The movie’s intricate structure keeps viewers on edge, delivering unexpected twists and turns that heighten the sense of unease. The Smile entity, portrayed not just as a frightening creature but also as a metaphor for emotional anguish, adds layers of depth to the narrative.
In a heart-wrenching revelation, Dr. Rose confronts her own painful past as the entity takes on the form of her mother, revealing a childhood trauma that has haunted her for years. As she faces the creature in a final showdown, she finds a moment of forgiveness for herself, but the horrors continue to unfold.
In a twist that leaves audiences reeling, Dr. Rose discovers that her reality is not what it seems. The Smile entity takes on the guise of her ex, Joel, revealing that she has been trapped in her own mind all along. The film’s climax culminates in a chilling moment as Dr. Rose takes her own life, passing the curse onto Joel.
The haunting “Smile” ending leaves viewers with a sense of dread, as the camera pans to Joel’s terrified eyes reflecting Dr. Rose’s fate.
It serves as a poignant reminder of the inescapable nature of trauma and the darkness that lurks within us all, ensuring that the curse will continue to haunt others in its wake. As viewers grapple with the harrowing journey of Dr. Rose Cotter, “Smile” stands as a testament to the power of psychological horror done right.
