Dr. Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon) witnesses the violent suicide of a patient (Caitlin Stasey) who claims to be seeing an entity that others can not. Most disturbingly as the patient takes her life she smiles malevolently at Rose. Then it is Rose’s turn to start seeing the entity. 

Written and directed by feature film debutant Parker Finn and based on his short story “Laura Hasn’t Slept” (also starring Caitlin Stasey) Smile is an incredibly effective and grim horror movie. For anyone who has seen The Ring/Ringu or It Follows you will know the premise immediately. A curse latches onto its victim following them for a set period of time before causing their death and latching on to its next victim, creating a never ending chain of pain. 

Original it might not be but that does not lessen its effectiveness and impact. Its use of peculiar camera angles and a discordant score are constantly unsettling. The deaths and imagery are particularly bloody and gruesome earning it an 18 certificate. Whilst Sosie Bacon’s collapse into madness is wholly convincing and terrifying. 

The underlying theme is not hidden within subtext and pretty much spelt out to us. Trauma can manifest inside of us and follow us throughout our lives and if not managed it can unravel at any time. Rose witnessed the suicide of her mother resulting in her wanting to help others as a psychiatrist. The fact that her fiancé (Jessie T. Usher), sister (Gillian Zinser) and therapist (Robin Weigart) are more inclined to believe that Rose’s breakdown is related to that childhood trauma as opposed to a nightmarish entity seems to cause Rose to spiral even quicker. Whilst her ex who is usefully a policeman (Kyle Gallner) is open to the possibilities when he helps her follow the chain of deaths. 

Perhaps there could have been greater emphasis on one aspect of the story. A better understanding of the malevolent entity (I am sure sequels/prequels will explore this) or a better exploration of the impact of childhood trauma through Rose or some of the previous victims. But for now if you fancy a horror movie that is genuinely chilling this is for you.