ABC Film Challenge – Horror – S – Smiley Movie Review
Director: Michael J Gallagher (Funny Story)
Bullied Boy Surprises Everyone With...Please enable JavaScript
Bullied Boy Surprises Everyone With his Scares and Strength!Writer: Glasgow Phillips, Michael J Gallagher (Screenplay)
Writer: Ezra Cooperstein (Story)
Cast
- Caitlin Gerard (Insidious: The Last Key)
- Melanie Papalia (Hell or High Water)
- Shane Dawson
- Andrew James Allen (The Lovely Bones)
- Liza Weil (The Black Emperor of Broadway)
- Keith David (The Thing)
- Roger Bart (tick, tick… BOOM!)
Plot: After discovering an urban legend of a demented serial killer, who has nothing but a carved “smiley” on his face, a mentally fragile teenager must figure out if she is going insane – or if she could be the next victim.
Runtime: 1 Hour 35 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: Smiley starts as a quiet college student Ashley (Gerard) moves into a new home with Proxy (Papalia). Off-campus, where she can spend more time on work, away from the crowded dorm rooms. Taking one night to get high and drunk for the first time, Ashley learns of a twisted internet craze.
The craze follows an internet chatroom site called ‘Hideorgochat.’ Where if you type ‘I, did it for the lulz’ the masked killer will appear and kill the other chatter. When the pair try the idea, they see the person killed, becoming worried they have released the killer. Ashley turns to Binder (Dawson) for answers about the killer, desperate to know if it was real.
Verdict on Smiley
Characters
Ashley is a timid college student who has found the perfect place to stay while in college. Although her father is worried about her. She jumps in headfirst to the college experience. Partying and learning of an internet myth. Additionally trying it out with her housemate, witnessing the murder happen. Becoming paranoid Ashley starts investigating the site, believing Smiley is coming for her. Racing to learn the truth before it gets her.
Proxy is the housemate that takes Ashley under her wing to experience college. She is a lot more open to everything, taking Ashley to parties. Joining Ashley on the website, she is more interested in sweeping it under the rug, than talking about it. Tending to jump out of nowhere.
Zane works on internet security and becomes paranoid when the Smiley killings start. He doesn’t understand how to track it, eventhough it is his expertise.
Binder is the fellow timid student Ashley meets. He has awkward chemistry with Ashley and wants to help her solve the problem. Often seen as the outsider in college.
When we look at these characters, most of the college students are insufferable. With none of them having redeeming qualities about them. The adult characters bring much-needed grounding to the story, without getting enough attention.
Performances
Caitlin Gerard (Magic Mike) brings the paranoia without holding back in any way. The character isn’t well written, because of quick decisions to go against everything she has ever done before. Caitlin makes the most of the screaming horror lady.
Melanie Papalia (Extraterrestrial) brings the typical college student to life; party life is the only way to get through. She is laidback and quick to cover up anything that goes against her. Being the best friend figure with ease.
The supporting cast does the basics right, without needing to do much. The students feel like the typical victims in a slasher. Bigger named actors having the impact needed.
Story
The story follows college student struggling to adapt to college life. As she gets involved in an internet craze leading to murder. We get to see how the paranoia takes over her life, believing the serial killer is coming for her.
The story does a good job of mixing the paranoia and reality that the victim is going through. Diving into the serial killer side of things. We find ourselves spending the time focusing on only her paranoia, rather than the killer. Not enough focus is placed on the myth behind the killer, leaving the story feeling empty.
Themes
Smiley is a horror-thriller that sets up like a slasher. The movie is set away from the college campus, with the reason for wanting to keep things away making sense for the lead character. The effects of the kills do look good, showing the brutality behind them.
Where to Watch: Smiley can be streamed free on Prime Video. Rent on Sky Store, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, Microsoft, and YouTube.
Final Thoughts – Smiley is a frustrating slasher lacking the punch for the conviction.
