Smile

Smile

Year: 2005

Runtime: 107 min

Language: English

Director: Jeffrey Kramer

AdventureDrama

While traveling through China, Katie unexpectedly connects with Lin, a young girl struggling with insecurity. Discovering they share a birthday, the two form a heartwarming bond as they explore the country's beautiful scenery. Through their friendship, Lin begins to gain confidence and embrace her inner beauty, ultimately finding her place and redefining her self-perception.

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 (2005)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Smile (2005). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Present

The story is set in the present day, exploring contemporary themes of trauma and mental health. This period reflects the challenges faced by individuals dealing with psychological distress, as well as the social stigmas surrounding mental illness. The events unfold in a fast-paced environment where technology and urban life intersect with haunting memories.

Location

Rose's childhood home, hospital, urban setting

The movie primarily takes place in Rose's childhood home, a location that serves as a constant reminder of her traumatic past. The setting is characterized by a haunting atmosphere that reflects Rose's internal struggles. Additionally, scenes unfold in an urban hospital where Rose works as a therapist, intensifying the psychological tension as she navigates her responsibilities amidst personal turmoil.

🏠 Home 🏥 Hospital 🏙️ Urban

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:40

Main Characters – Smile (2005)

Meet the key characters of Smile (2005), 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

Rose is a therapist who struggles with her own mental health while trying to help others. Her traumatic past, including the suicide of her mother, severely affects her ability to cope with the horrors she encounters. As the story unfolds, her resolve weakens, and she is forced to confront both her fears and the supernatural entity that haunts her.

🧠 Therapist 😓 Traumatized 🔥 Determined

Carl

Carl is a manic patient whose fear of death foreshadows the horrific events that befall Rose. His unsettling interactions and ominous warnings create a chilling atmosphere, hinting at the dark forces at play. Despite his instability, Carl serves as a mirror to Rose's own escalating fears and eventual unraveling.

😨 Patient 👻 Ominous ⚠️ Troubled

Laura Weaver

Laura is a deeply troubled young woman who claims to be tormented by a supernatural entity. Her horrifying experiences catalyze Rose's own descent into chaos, as Laura’s unraveling mental state reveals deeper themes of trauma and despair. Her character represents the connection between past horrors and present suffering.

😥 Troubled 👁️ Haunted 📖 Storyteller

Joel

Joel is Rose's former boyfriend who provides support amidst her turmoil. His character brings a blend of familiarity and emotional tension as he navigates their shared past. He becomes an ally in Rose's quest to understand the supernatural horrors plaguing her, yet his involvement deepens the psychological complexities of their relationship.

💔 Ex-Boyfriend 🕵️‍♂️ Supportive 🧩 Complicated

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:40

Major Themes – Smile (2005)

Explore the central themes of Smile (2005), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

😱 Trauma

Trauma is a central theme, vividly portrayed through Rose's experiences and interactions. The lingering effects of her mother's suicide manifest in her professional and personal life, leading to a profound struggle with her mental health. The film delves into the cyclical nature of trauma and its impact on relationships, as characters grapple with their pasts while facing terrifying present challenges.

👻 Supernatural Horror

The supernatural horror element intensifies the film’s narrative as Rose confronts an ominous entity linked to trauma. This theme explores the manifestation of fear and emotional turmoil, blending psychological horror with visceral terror. The entity symbolizes the darkest parts of Rose's psyche, challenging her to confront fears that she cannot escape.

💔 Isolation

Isolation emerges as a significant theme as Rose navigates her emotional landscape and deteriorating relationships. Despite seeking help, she finds herself increasingly disconnected from those around her. The film poignantly illustrates how trauma can alienate individuals, leading them to feel isolated even among those who wish to support them.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:40

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

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.