For horror enthusiasts, Smile 2 has hit theaters, but there’s also an opportunity to dive into the chilling backstory with Laura Hasn’t Slept — the short film that inspired the acclaimed 2022 horror feature.
This latest installment expands the notorious smile to a global audience, revolving around the sinister occurrences involving fictional pop star Skye Riley. Released on October 18, Smile 2 is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the standout horror films of 2024.
Before you head to see the sequel, or even if you haven’t watched the original movie yet, there’s a spine-tingling short that lays the groundwork for the entire franchise, and the best part is it’s currently available for free viewing.
The short film, Laura Hasn’t Slept, crafted by the creator of Smile, Parker Finn, can be viewed on YouTube. Initially released in 2022, its success paved the way for the feature-length adaptation, which was produced on a $17 million budget and rebranded as Smile.
The short features Caitlin Stasey, who reprises her role as Laura in the full-length film. It made its debut at the SXSW Film Festival before being released on YouTube in November 2022.
Spanning just 11 minutes, the short narrates Laura’s sessions with her therapist, Dr. Parsons, during which she describes a terrifying recurring nightmare. In this dream, she is haunted by a grotesque figure with an unsettling smile, relentlessly stalking her and morphing into various forms.
Things only escalate from there, but we won’t give away any spoilers. Reviewers have noted its intense impact, with comments like: “That was traumatizing,” and others claiming they “couldn’t sleep for weeks” after viewing it.
Caitlin Stasey as Laura in Smile
The original Smile proved to be a commercial triumph, grossing a remarkable $217 million globally. In the sequel, the stakes are raised as one of the world’s biggest pop stars becomes entangled with the eerie killer smile.
Smile 2 is currently screening in theaters.
For further insights, take a look at why the most shocking moment in Smile 2 isn’t even a murder scene.
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