Balancing Horror and Comedy: Insights from the "Hysteria!" Showrunners

Writer and director Parker Finn has taken the horror genre to new heights with his latest film, "Smile 2." The sequel, which pushes the boundaries of terror, ramps up the intensity from the original, delivering a finale that is both shocking and grandiose.

In "Smile 2," we follow the journey of global pop sensation Skye Riley, portrayed by Naomi Scott, as she grapples with increasingly terrifying occurrences just as she is about to embark on a world tour. The film wastes no time in addressing the fate of Joel, the police officer from the first installment, played by Kyle Gallner. The hyper-violent opening sequence sets the tone for the sequel, as Joel meets a gruesome end, passing his curse to drug dealer Lewis Fregoli, portrayed by Lukas Gage.

Finn revealed that while there was a brief consideration to center the sequel around Joel, he ultimately chose to explore new territory by focusing on Skye Riley. The director aimed to craft a fresh and innovative story, steering clear of conventional paths. The transition from a police detective to a pop star provided an intriguing narrative challenge that Finn embraced wholeheartedly.

As the plot unfolds, "Smile 2" escalates the horror with unexpected twists and turns, culminating in a jaw-dropping finale where Skye Riley’s curse reaches its peak during a live performance. The monstrous entity, designed by acclaimed creature effects artist Alec Gillis and his team at Studio Gillis, emerges in a spectacle that combines practical effects and visual effects seamlessly.

Finn’s vision for the film’s climax was to go big and bold, creating a creature that would leave a lasting impact on audiences. The practical effects used in bringing the creature to life added a visceral element to the scene, enhancing the overall horror experience. The director emphasized the importance of blending practical and digital effects to create a visually stunning and immersive finale.

With the success of both "Smile" films, the possibility of a third installment looms on the horizon. While Finn remains tight-lipped about his potential involvement in "Smile 3," he hints at the expansive directions the franchise could take. The question of whether the curse is beatable lingers, hinting at future storylines that could further explore the supernatural elements while maintaining a focus on character-driven narratives.

As fans eagerly await the next chapter in the "Smile" saga, Finn’s dedication to crafting intimate and emotionally resonant stories intertwined with elements of supernatural horror promises a thrilling continuation of the franchise.