Two Hollywood films premiered today at Star Cineplex in Dhaka, with much anticipation surrounding their releases. The multiplex showcased the new entries of popular genres: superhero flick "Venom: The Last Dance" and the much-anticipated horror sequel "Smile 2".
"Venom: The Last Dance" marks the conclusion of the "Venom" franchise, bringing back Tom Hardy as the titular character. This latest installment features familiar faces like Juno Temple, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Clarke Backo. Originally slated for release on November 8, 2023, its debut was pushed back due to halted productions caused by the Hollywood strikes last year. Yet, fans of the franchise were treated to this film’s long-awaited arrival as Hardy took to the red carpet at its world premiere in New York.
On the horror side, "Smile 2" has already stirred reactions since its international release on October 16. Directed by Parker Finn, who directed the first film, "Smile 2" sees the return of Sosie Bacon, Peter Jacobson, Kyle Gallner, and Lucas Gage, taking viewers on another chilling ride as they explore themes of trauma and supernatural horror. This sequel follows pop star Skye Riley, portrayed by Naomi Scott, who finds herself haunted after witnessing a traumatic event.
The first "Smile" film took off with significant success, earning $217 million on a modest budget of $17 million, which prompted the creation of this sequel. Finn continues the eerie narrative, this time integrating more personal stakes when Skye attempts to navigate her professional life plagued by supernatural terror after her car crash.
Critics have noted how "Smile 2" builds on its predecessor's strengths, enriching the horror with more intimate character exploration. One recurring theme is Skye's struggle against both her inner demons and the external entity haunting her.
What draws audiences to "Smile 2" is the character-driven narrative and the psychological depths explored through Skye's interaction with her past. Amid challenges linked to her previous substance abuse and the personal trauma of losing her boyfriend, the film paints the portrait of someone grappling with immense emotional turmoil.
The character's coping mechanisms are particularly telling, with Skye seen drinking copious amounts of Voss water—a habit contrasting with her more destructive one of hair-pulling when stressed. This dynamic paints Skye not just as a victim of supernatural forces, but as someone engaged in their own enduring battle for mental health.
Scott's portrayal of Skye has been praised as one of the best performances of the year, with her ability to blend the strength of being a pop icon with the vulnerability of her traumatic experiences creating palpable tension and empathy. Her commitment to every aspect—singing, dancing, and physical demands—is noted as elevational for her character.
The performance challenges her to oscillate between glamor and horror. Scott's past experiences helped shape her approach. Despite earlier aversion to horror films, she found unprecedented value in exploring dark themes through this genre. She stated, "Horror can take us to these absurd places where we can explore the darker parts of humanity. It's just such an incredible way to tell a story."
Parker Finn doesn’t shy away from this characteristic, utilizing practical effects and choreographed dance sequences to intensify the horror elements. A standout segment features grinning dancers reminiscent of demonic manifestations, illustrating Skye's descent and her unraveling mental state amid this sinister atmosphere.
Finn described the moment as "like choreographing a Cirque du Soleil from hell," emphasizing the unique blend of horror and dance culminating as Skye faces her fears. The crew's dedication and innovative choreography underline both horror and theatrical artistry, achieving stunning visuals flickering between the grotesque and the bizarre.
Beyond individual performances, the sequels to both films represent more than just box office contenders; they amplify the cinematic experience as two distinct approaches to engaging storytelling—one through the familiar thrills of superhero escapism and the other through the impactful realms of psychological horror.
This dual release promises to keep Dhaka's moviegoers busy, whether they are cheering for the antihero’s final showdown or experiencing the chilling scares of "Smile 2" firsthand. From vampire films to psychological thrillers, the spectrum of human emotion is fully explored, showcasing the richness of storytelling through varied genres for diverse audiences. The films stand as poignant reminders of the ever-evolving nature of cinema, where genres bleed and stories overlap, inviting exploration of both the light-hearted and the fearsome sides of human experience.
