44/10
When the glass is shown at her feet, she is wearing socks
Synopsis
After witnessing a strange and traumatic incident involving a patient, a psychiatrist becomes increasingly convinced that she is being threatened by a strange entity. A few days before the film’s September 30, 2022 release, the film’s cast showed up at various baseball games, sitting behind home plate, motionless and smiling as they stared into the camera, motionless despite the understandable concern of the fans in the audience, all while wearing Smile t-shirts. Another quickly appeared in the background with the crowd during the Today show. At approximately the 31-minute mark, Rose breaks a glass when her alarm goes off. A few seconds later, as she checks the door, she is wearing lace-up shoes.
Rose Cotter: What are you?
Based on what happens later at a party, there are several continuity issues that may not be “mistakes” but may in fact be deliberate in order to show “breaks” in Rose’s consciousness/sanity. Why do you do this to me? Monstrosity: Because your spirit is so inviting. Paramount’s opening and closing logos have 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 Performed by The Chordettes
The plot was basically a mashup of Lights Out and It Follows, both fantasy horrors. SO… the actual plot of this movie owes a lot to the tropes of the genre It Shouldn’t Work, there’s not a lot of fleshed-out development behind the “why” of the monster, so this movie spends a while figuring out the “how”. It was a bit tedious to figure out what was going on in terms of the curse, the way it jumps from person to person. The typical “main character isn’t believed because she’s a hysterical woman” plot device.
They’re effective and unpredictable
I mean, it’s been like that since Rosemary’s Baby, but this plot was much more developed and there was reasoning behind it. There’s a wonderful performance by Sosie Bacon at the helm. You really root for her character. But the fiancé is a cliché, you wonder why they’re even together. Overall, what makes this film strong are the jump scares.
You’ll be scared
The cinematography is also very moody and atmospheric. A good effort and I look forward to hearing more from the writer/director.