Smile concludes with a devastating and deeply unsettling ending. Dr. Rose Cotter, seemingly victorious in breaking the curse by killing its current host, Robert Talley, is tragically mistaken. The entity transfers to her in the moment of his death, leading her to return to her childhood home and ultimately immolate herself in front of her ex-boyfriend, Joel, perpetuating the cycle of trauma and possession.
Understanding the Bleak Finality
The film’s finale deliberately subverts the audience’s expectations. We are led to believe that Rose’s confrontation with Talley, and her subsequent act of violence, has finally broken the chain. However, the unsettling realization that the entity cleverly bypassed this resolution is crucial to understanding the film’s message. Smile isn’t just about a curse; it’s about inherited trauma, the insidious way it festers, and the difficulty in escaping its grasp. Rose’s apparent triumph is a cruel illusion designed to maximize the horror and highlight the cycle’s unbreakable nature. The final shot of Joel witnessing Rose’s self-immolation, mirroring the original suicide that started it all, underscores the film’s bleak outlook.
Thematic Resonance of the Ending
The ending’s power lies in its thematic resonance. It reflects the often-inescapable nature of deep-seated psychological wounds. Rose spends the film desperately trying to outrun her past, represented by the smiling entity. However, the unresolved trauma from her mother’s suicide continues to haunt her. This culminates in a tragic acceptance of her fate, as she becomes another link in the chain of suffering. The smile itself becomes a symbol of this internalized pain, a mask of forced happiness concealing the deep despair beneath. The ending forces us to confront the idea that some wounds may never fully heal, and that the cycle of abuse and trauma can be incredibly difficult to break. It also raises unsettling questions about the effectiveness of traditional therapeutic approaches when facing such deeply entrenched pain.
Visual Impact of the Final Scene
The visual execution of the final scene is incredibly impactful. The remote, dilapidated childhood home creates a sense of isolation and dread. The increasingly grotesque manifestation of the entity further amplifies the horror. Rose’s self-immolation, witnessed by Joel, is a shocking and disturbing image that lingers long after the credits roll. The filmmakers expertly use lighting and sound to create an atmosphere of palpable tension, culminating in a visually stunning and emotionally devastating climax. The visual mirroring of the original suicide with Rose’s act further reinforces the cyclical nature of the curse and the inescapable grip of trauma.
Unanswered Questions and Interpretations
While the film provides a definitive ending for Rose, it leaves several questions unanswered. This ambiguity contributes to the film’s lasting impact. Is there any hope for Joel? Will he become the next victim of the curse? These unanswered questions allow viewers to contemplate the film’s themes and draw their own conclusions about the nature of trauma and its potential for perpetuation. The open-ended nature of the ending also ensures that Smile remains a topic of discussion and debate among horror fans, solidifying its place in the genre.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What triggers the curse in Smile?
The curse is triggered by witnessing the suicide of another individual who is already a victim of the entity. This witness then becomes the new host and is haunted by terrifying visions and psychological torment, culminating in their own suicide in front of a new witness.
What is the significance of the smile?
The smile is a manifestation of the entity and represents the internal suffering and despair of the host. It’s a forced, unnatural expression that masks the deep trauma they are experiencing. It also serves as a chilling signal to potential victims that the curse is being passed on.
Can the curse be broken in Smile?
The film suggests that the curse is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to break. Rose initially believes that by killing the host, she can end the cycle, but this proves to be a false hope. The ending implies that the curse is a cycle of inherited trauma that is difficult to escape.
Why does the entity choose specific victims?
The film doesn’t explicitly state why the entity chooses certain victims. However, it appears to target individuals who are already vulnerable due to past trauma or mental health issues. This suggests that the entity preys on existing weaknesses and vulnerabilities.
Is there a sequel planned for Smile?
As of the current date, there has been no official confirmation of a sequel to Smile. However, the film’s box office success and the open-ended nature of the ending make a sequel a strong possibility. Any potential sequel would likely explore the consequences of Rose’s death and the fate of Joel.
What is the meaning of the childhood home in the ending?
The childhood home represents Rose’s unresolved trauma and the root of her psychological struggles. It’s a place filled with painful memories of her mother’s suicide and her own feelings of guilt and abandonment. Returning to this location for her final act signifies her acceptance of her fate and the inescapable nature of her past.
How does the entity physically manifest itself?
The entity manifests itself in various forms throughout the film, often appearing as deceased individuals with grotesque, unnatural smiles. Its physical form becomes increasingly terrifying and distorted as the film progresses, reflecting the host’s deteriorating mental state. In Rose’s final confrontation, it takes on a truly monstrous appearance.
Why doesn’t Rose seek further help after Talley’s death?
Rose is convinced that she has broken the curse by killing Talley. She believes that by eliminating the host, she has severed the chain and is finally free. This false sense of security prevents her from seeking further help and ultimately leads to her tragic demise. The entity expertly deceives her.
What role does Joel play in the story?
Joel is Rose’s ex-boyfriend and a police detective who helps her investigate the curse. He provides her with support and resources, but ultimately is unable to prevent her tragic fate. His presence in the ending emphasizes the cyclical nature of the curse and the devastating impact it has on those around the victim.
How does Smile compare to other horror movies dealing with trauma?
Smile shares thematic similarities with other horror films that explore the themes of trauma and mental illness, such as The Babadook and It Follows. However, Smile distinguishes itself through its relentless focus on the cyclical nature of trauma and the difficulty in escaping its grasp. The use of the smile as a symbol of forced happiness and inner turmoil also sets it apart.
What are the major themes explored in Smile?
The major themes explored in Smile include trauma, mental illness, inherited pain, suicide, and the difficulty in escaping the past. The film delves into the psychological impact of witnessing traumatic events and the ways in which these experiences can shape and define an individual’s life. It also explores the limitations of traditional therapeutic approaches in dealing with deeply entrenched trauma.
What is the significance of Joel witnessing Rose’s death?
Joel witnessing Rose’s death is the most disturbing element of the ending. It signifies the continuation of the curse, as he is now the new host. It leaves the audience with a profound sense of dread and uncertainty about his fate and the future of the cycle. The mirroring of the original suicide solidifies the idea that the curse is a self-perpetuating cycle of trauma and despair. This ensures the bleak, unsettling tone of the film persists long after the credits have rolled.