
In the chilling psychological horror film "Smile," the audience is introduced to Dr. Rose Cotter, portrayed by Sosie Bacon, a dedicated therapist who finds her world turned upside down after a harrowing encounter with a patient. Following a bizarre and traumatic incident in which the patient inexplicably smiles before taking a tragic turn, Rose begins to grapple with unsettling occurrences that defy logic. This unnerving encounter sets off a chain reaction in her life, as the boundaries between reality and her darkest fears begin to blur, manifesting into terrifying visions and unexplainable phenomena that haunt her day and night.
As Rose plunges deeper into her psychological unraveling, she reaches out for help from her colleagues, including Joel, played by Kyle Gallner. However, what she discovers is that the horrifying events may not be as isolated as they seem. Those around her struggle to understand the magnitude of her experiences, leaving Rose feeling increasingly isolated and desperate. Her attempts to maintain her professionalism and sanity grow increasingly challenging as the malevolent force that seems to latch onto her becomes more pronounced. The film cleverly plays with the theme of mental health while simultaneously encapsulating the fear of the unknown, engaging viewers in a narrative that feels all too real.
"Smile" artfully delves into themes of trauma, loss, and the stigma surrounding mental illness, raising probing questions about reality and perception. As Rose grapples with her scarred psyche, the audience becomes entwined in her escalating horror, experiencing the dreadful psychological toll of her circumstances through her perspective. With each unfolding event, the tension mounts, creating an atmosphere ripe for suspense and dread. Ultimately, "Smile" presents a gripping exploration of how our minds can play tricks on us, making it a haunting examination of fear both seen and unseen, and a thought-provoking commentary on the scars we carry within.