It doesn’t happen too often, especially from modern studio fare, but Parker Finn’s “Smile” is the kind of horror movie that earns the unique qualification of “genuinely scary.” Credit to Finn, the writer/director making his feature debut here, for achieving this with a strong and simple visual hook: possessed characters who smile, a sign to the witness that something is about to go horrifically wrong. It’s always creepy when actors here suddenly force a wide grin onto their faces, gradually baring their full teeth and pointing their eyes in a fashion that would barely be welcoming in a photo.

Continue reading ‘Smile’ Review: Parker Finn’s Debut Film Is Jump-Scare Horror Done Really, Really Well at The Playlist.

In what looks like a blend of “It Follows,” Blumhouse‘s “Truth Or Dare,” and “The Grudge” movies, Paramount ushers in October’s horror movie season with “Smile.” The upcoming movie hits theaters this Friday, and follows a doctor forced to confront a dangerous contagion: a killer smile.  

READ MORE: ‘Smile’ Trailer: Creepy Smiles Will Haunt Your Nightmares Starting In September

Here’s the film’s official synopsis, courtesy of Paramount:

After witnessing a bizarre, traumatic incident involving a patient, Dr.

Continue reading ‘Smile’ Final Trailer: “The Worst Smile You’ve Ever Seen” Hits Theaters On September 30 at The Playlist.

There’s something about an elongated smile that sends chills up the spine. When said Joker-ish smile is a returned gaze from a character on the screen, a stranger, we have the makings of uncanny horror. And this is what we’re getting from the trailer for Parker Finn’s forthcoming horror film “Smile.” The new trailer features plenty of creepy smiles and that hint at something deeply sinister.

READ MORE: “Shithouse” Leads The Winners Of This Year’s SXSW Film Festival Awards

“Smile” is being adapted from a 2020 short film by Parker Finn titled “Laura Hasn’t Slept.” The film garnered critical acclaim upon release and won the SXSW Film Festival’s special jury recognition Midnight Award.

Continue reading ‘Smile’ Trailer: Creepy Smiles Will Haunt Your Nightmares Starting In September at The Playlist.