Smile

Smile

Year: 2022

Runtime: 115 min

Language: English

Director: Parker Finn

Horror

After witnessing a disturbing incident involving a patient, therapist Rose Cotter is plagued by increasingly frightening and inexplicable events. As she desperately seeks answers, she realizes that she’s become entangled in a sinister phenomenon that manifests through unsettling smiles. Battling her own sanity, Rose must confront the source of this terrifying force and fight to protect herself from its grasp, uncovering a dark and disturbing connection to the past.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Smile yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Smile (2022)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Smile (2022). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events unfold in contemporary times, reflecting modern psychological struggles and how trauma affects individuals today. Themes of mental health, grief, and obsession drive the narrative forward, resonating with current societal issues surrounding these topics.

Location

Rose's childhood home, Various locations within the city, Victoria's home

The movie takes place across several locations, primarily centering around Rose's childhood home where significant traumatic memories resurface. Various locations within the city serve as haunting backdrops that amplify the psychological terror Rose experiences. Victoria's home also plays a crucial role, representing a place of confrontation and denial in relation to the dark past connected to Gabriel.

🏡 Childhood 🏙️ Urban 🏠 Haunted

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:42

Main Characters – Smile (2022)

Meet the key characters of Smile (2022), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon)

Rose is a deeply troubled therapist haunted by her past, particularly the traumatic loss of her mother. As she experiences terrifying visions, her character grapples with guilt, fear, and the impact of her childhood trauma, leading her down a dark path of self-destruction. Her vulnerability is contrasted by her determination to seek answers, showcasing her complex emotional landscape.

🧠 Therapist 😢 Traumatized ⚡️ Determined

Joel (Kyle Gallner)

Joel is Rose's ex-boyfriend and a detective who becomes involved in her haunting ordeal. His character embodies concern and a sense of protection as he partners with Rose to unravel the curse enveloping her. Despite their shared history, Joel’s support reveals both his empathy and the tension stemming from their past relationship.

🚨 Detective ❤️ Ex-boyfriend 🤝 Supportive

Dr. Morgan Desai (Kal Penn)

Dr. Desai is Rose's supervisor, tasked with overseeing her mental health amid a crisis. His character serves as a voice of reason but also represents the institutional response to mental health challenges, revealing the complexities of support within a professional framework. His concern for Rose's well-being underscores the pressures faced by those in the mental health field.

👩‍⚕️ Supervisor ⚖️ Professional 🩺 Caring

Victoria Munoz (Judy Reyes)

Victoria is the widow of Gabriel Munoz, representing a character enveloped in grief and disbelief. Her interactions with Rose highlight the theme of denial surrounding trauma, showcasing the varying ways individuals cope with loss. Victoria's defensive demeanor suggests her struggle to reconcile with the truth of her husband's fate.

👩‍❤️‍🗨️ Widow 😔 Grieving 🔍 Defensive

Dr. Madeline Northcott (Robin Weigert)

Dr. Northcott is Rose's former therapist, illustrating the complexities of mental health treatment. While she embodies authority and experience, her dismissive response to Rose's pleas for help enhances the feeling of isolation. This character underscores the challenges faced by individuals seeking support when dealing with trauma.

👩‍⚕️ Therapist ❌ Dismissive 🔒 Authority

Robert Talley (Rob Morgan)

Robert serves as a crucial lead in breaking the curse affecting Rose, embodying the dark implication of the movie's themes. His chilling revelations about the cycle of violence contribute to the film's overall tension, positioning him as a harbinger of despair. His character encapsulates the complicated relationship between desperation and the moral boundaries one might cross.

🔗 Connected ⚔️ Antagonistic 🚨 Warning

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:42

Major Themes – Smile (2022)

Explore the central themes of Smile (2022), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

😱 Psychological Horror

This theme is central to the movie as it explores the intricacies of trauma and mental illness. Rose's journey reveals how unchecked psychological anguish can manifest as horrifying visions and experiences. The horror stems not just from external entities but from her internal struggles, creating a gripping atmosphere that keeps the viewer on edge.

🔄 Cycle of Trauma

The film delves into the cyclical nature of trauma, illustrating how pain can perpetuate itself across generations. Rose’s experiences reflect a wider commentary on how unresolved issues can lead to devastating consequences. The notion that one's suffering can lead to further victimization highlights the continuity of trauma.

💔 Loss and Grief

Loss plays a significant role in Rose's narrative, stemming from her mother's suicide and influencing her current mental state. The film illustrates how grief can become entangled with psychological distress, pushing individuals toward a dark path. Rose's inability to cope with her loss permeates the story, driving her actions and fears.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:42

Unlock the Full Story of Smile

Don't stop at just watching — explore Smile in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Smile is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Smile Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Smile, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Smile Summary

Smile Timeline

Track the full timeline of Smile with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Smile Timeline

Smile Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Smile? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Smile Ending Explained

More About Smile

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Smile: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Smile

Similar Movies to Smile

Discover movies like Smile that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.