17/11

Rose Cotter: What are you?

Line of Events

After witnessing a bizarre and traumatic incident involving a patient, a psychiatrist becomes increasingly convinced that she is being threatened by a mysterious entity. A couple of days before the film’s September 30, 2022 release, the film’s cast showed up at various baseball games, sitting behind home plate, still and smiling as they stared into the camera, motionless despite the understandably concerned fans in the audience, while wearing Smiley T-shirts. Another appeared early in the crowd in the background during the Today Show. At about the 31-minute mark, Rose breaks a glass when her alarm goes off. When the glass is shown at her feet, she is wearing socks. A few seconds later, as she checks the door, she is wearing shoes with laces. Based on what happens later at a party, there are several continuity issues that may not be “mistakes” but may actually be deliberate to show “ruptures” in Rose’s consciousness/sanity.

Why are you doing this to me?

The Monstrosity: Why Your Mind Is So Inviting.. The opening and closing logos of Paramount feature a curved line in the shape of a smile at the base of the mountain. Featured in Chris Stuckmann’s movie reviews: Smile (2022). Lollipop Written by Beverley Ross and Julius Dixon Starring The Chordettes. Rose Cotter is a therapist in a psychiatric emergency ward. One day, Laura, a young student, is brought in for observation. After witnessing the brutal suicide of her professor, she appears to be suffering from severe PTSD.

Suddenly, she becomes calm, smiling unnaturally, before slitting her throat

As Rose talks to Laura, the girl becomes increasingly frightened, claiming that an invisible entity is about to kill her. Afterwards, bizarre events convince Rose that the entity is now haunting her; and that she is its next victim. A haunting horror, Parker Finn’s “Smile” is a disturbing examination of the lingering effects of trauma. Finn’s narrative argues that trauma affects every aspect of a person’s life and can be transmitted to others through their actions. While comparisons to David Robert Mitchell’s “It Follows” are inevitable, Parker’s handling of the film’s thesis feels fresh and innovative. Traumatic effects, such as hallucinations, paranoia, and guilt, are cleverly woven into Finn’s narrative, adding to the psychological horror contained within. The film is suspenseful, with a heady atmosphere of dread throughout.

Here they don’t, as they only intensify the paranoid state Rose is in

While the ending is anticlimactic, the journey to get there is engaging and sinister. Finn makes excellent use of jump scares, which often seem like a cheap way to make viewers jump. Her characterization is strong, as is her dialogue, and we believe and sympathize with Rose; even if we’re unsure whether or not we can trust her version of reality. Culturally relevant and disturbing, Finn’s film is a wild and devilish ride. For a horror film to be successful, good sound design is necessary; Finn’s sound department has created an immersive and unsettling environment of terror. Cristobal Tapia de Veer’s score adds to the unsettling atmosphere, becoming chaotically dissonant as Rose sinks further into paranoid fear. At times reminiscent of Dario Argento and Goblin’s score for “Suspiria,” Tapia de Veer’s work adds immensely to the film’s impact.

Likewise, Charlie Sarroff’s unconventional cinematography adds to the film’s unsettling atmosphere

Distinctive and creative, his use of low angles, handheld shots, and zooms foster a sense of unpredictable instability. Under Finn’s direction, his implementation of lighting creates contrast and mood, while his image composition also adds to the film’s horror. He uses symmetry, asymmetry, and negative space to create imbalance, tension, and emptiness; depending on the needs of the scene.