Smile (franchise)

Smile
Official franchise logo
Directed byParker Finn
Written byParker Finn
Based onOriginal characters
by Parker Finn
Distributed byParamount Pictures
Release date
2020–present
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$45 million
(2 theatrical films)[1]
Box office$327.2 million
(2 theatrical films)

The Smile franchise consists of American psychological supernatural horror installments, including a short, a theatrical feature film, and its feature-length sequel. Based on characters and an original story by Parker Finn, the filmmaker explores elements of paranoia, psychological trauma, and fear in elements of storytelling. The plot of the franchise follows a number of characters who are tormented by a wicked entity that follows them, unceasingly determined to be the cause of their death. This force, termed by Finn as "the Monstrosity", presents itself with the identifying characteristic of a malevolent smile while it takes the form of the people that the characters encounter. While the characters frantically try to save themselves from the leering presence of death, they experience visions of a frightening nature.

The original short which debuted in the United States at the 2020 SXSW Film Festival after a previous international festival run, received critical acclaim.[2][3] Following its warm reception, Paramount Pictures secured rights to a feature film adaptation, which was later revealed to be a continuation of the short. Finn was hired to again serve as writer and director.[4][5] The theatrical 2022 feature film was similarly met with praise from critics,[6][7][8] and was a box office success.[9] Finn signed a first-look contractual deal with Paramount,[10] before being hired for the 2024 sequel.[11]

  1. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (October 16, 2024). "'Smile 2' Heading For High Teens At Weekend Box Office". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 19, 2024.
  2. ^ Musnicky, Sarah (April 7, 2020). "SXSW Review - Laura Hasn't Slept". Nightmarish Conjurings. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  3. ^ Richter, Marina D. (September 27, 2020). "Review: Laura Hasn't Slept (2020)". UbIQuarian. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Short_SF was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference Short_BD was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference Smile_BD was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference Smile_Variety was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ Cite error: The named reference Smile_Deadline was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  9. ^ Cite error: The named reference Smile BOM was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  10. ^ Cite error: The named reference Future_THR was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  11. ^ Cite error: The named reference Sequel_MW was invoked but never defined (see the help page).