Parker Finn Smile 2 expands the terrifying universe established in the first hit film, Smile. Smile 2 has plenty of scary scenes and new tricks up its sleeve to truly horrify its audience, but it also pays clever homage to one of the most iconic characters in horror history through the character of Paul Hudson. Smile 2The cast is led by pop star protagonist Skye Riley who, among other things, is haunted by the death of her boyfriend, Paul Hudson. Hudson appears several times as one of the hallucinatory entities that haunt Skye with that now-iconic smile.
However, that mysterious, low-angle smile we associate with Smile The franchise has its roots in the films of another master of the craft, Stanley Kubrick, most notably Jack Torrance in The Shining. It's no surprise that Parker Finn was paying homage to one of the greats, but Smile 2 brought an extra layer by casting the role of Paul Hudson.
Smile 2's Paul Hudson was played by Jack Nicholson's son Ray Nicholson
Smile 2 Smart Channels Jack Torrance
Paul Hudson is played by Ray Nicholson, who knows Hollywood. Ray is the son of iconic actor Jack Nicholson, known for his chilling performance as Jack Torrance in The Shining. The elder Nicholson set the benchmark for portraying a character who descends into madness, driven mad by an overwhelming, malevolent force. It turns out that this is what happens to the protagonists of the Smile films. Although Paul Hudson is just a hallucination, he is a frightening force that leads to Skye Riley's unraveling.
The most striking similarity between father and son may be in the creation of the mysterious smiles that define the Smile franchise.
The decision to cast the son of this horror icon was no accident, to say the least. Instead, the choice of director Parker Finn seems almost fated. Ray Nicholson's performance in Smile 2 honors his father's legacy while ensuring that the same uncomfortable feeling resonates with modern audiences. However, the most striking similarity between father and son may be in the creation of Stanley Kubrick's eerie smiles that define the Smile franchise.
How The Shining's Jack Torrance Influenced a Huge Aspect of Smile 2
Finn specifically leaned into the “Kubrick look”
A hallmark of Kubrick's films is the specific and mysterious appearance given by his characters, which became known as the “Kubrick look”. It involves the disturbing combination of a downward tilted head and an intense, unwavering gaze, creating a sinister, predatory look. Jack Nicholson added another touch to his look when he played Jack Torrance – an irritatingly detached smile.
Parker Finn draws on Jack Torrance's smile to create a deeply strange feeling in both Smile filmsevoking a sense of inevitable destruction. When casting Ray Nicholson in Smile 2the franchise deftly bends its edge and merges modern horror with its cinematic roots. The result is a film that feels both nostalgic and innovative, ensuring that Torrance's legacy and unnerving gaze will continue to haunt audiences as it solidifies Smile 2 as a worthy entry into the horror genre.
Smile 2
Smile 2 is the sequel to director Parker Finn's 2022 psychological horror film, which revolves around a therapist who witnesses a patient's suicide, leading to a series of terrifying supernatural events. The sequel will see Finn return as director, with Paramount continuing to distribute.