“Smile” Ending, Explained: Does Rose Survive the Grinning Curse?

Netflix’s ‘Smile’ Ending Deconstructed: What Happens to Rose After the Grinning Curse?

Netflix viewers are left perplexed by the conclusion of ‘Smile’ and wonder about Rose’s fate after battling the eerie curse. The horror movie, which stars Sosie Bacon and Kyle Gallner and was released in September 2022, dives into the life of therapist Dr. Rose Cotter, portrayed by Sosie Bacon, as she grapples with a malevolent force that preys on trauma, passing from one individual to another through a menacing smile. Directed and written by Parker Finn, the film garnered significant attention for its spine-chilling storyline and the intricate development of its characters.

The film’s success sky-rocketed shortly after its release, with ‘Smile’ claiming the top spot at the domestic box office during its premiere weekend in September 2022. By November, it had amassed over $202 million globally, solidifying its status as a surprise hit in the horror genre. While viewers remembered the film for its intense scares, it was the enigmatic and disturbing ending that left a lasting impact, provoking numerous speculations and queries.

Towards the climax of ‘Smile,’ Rose ventures back to her childhood home, the place where her mother tragically perished, to confront the ominous entity haunting her. Her desperate attempt to thwart the curse from spreading involves setting the house ablaze in a bid to vanquish the malevolent force. However, the victory Rose perceives is shattered as reality unfolds – she finds herself ensnared within the burning house as the entity triumphs over her. As Rose succumbs to possession, her ex-boyfriend Joel, played by Kyle Gallner, witnesses her despairing fate, subsequently inheriting the curse.

The curse in ‘Smile’ unfolds via a gruesome cycle: after witnessing a traumatic suicide, the afflicted individual becomes the next target of the malevolent entity. This haunting force torments the new victim psychologically, often taking on the appearance of familiar faces, all the while sporting a sinister smile. The relentless cycle continues until the victim succumbs, typically by committing suicide in front of another witness, thereby transferring the curse onwards. The entity’s true form is unveiled as a gruesome, skinless humanoid with multiple sets of jaws inside a vast, smiling mouth, emblematic of the inescapable grip of deep-rooted trauma.

Joel, following Rose’s tragic demise, falls victim to the curse, attempting to break the cycle himself in ‘Smile 2,’ akin to Rose’s endeavor in the original film. ‘Smile’ poignantly delves into the relentless cycle of trauma and how it manifests, whether through transmission, internalisation, or confrontation. The curse haunting Rose symbolises unresolved psychological anguish and underscores how fear can metastasise if left unaddressed. Finn, in an interview with Polygon in 2022, highlighted his intention to challenge audience expectations with ‘Smile,’ aiming to craft a narrative that subverts traditional horror tropes and keeps viewers on edge.

In the wake of ‘Smile’s’ triumph, a sequel swiftly followed suit, with Paramount confirming a follow-up to the horror hit after its resounding success. With Smile 2 hitting screens in October 2024, viewers were introduced to a fresh story line with new characters, featuring Naomi Scott in the lead role. As the Smile universe expands, Finn teased the potential for further installments, hinting at a diverse range of narratives that could be explored within the eerie and unsettling world of ‘Smile.’

‘Smile’ leaves audiences contemplating the enduring impacts of trauma and the intricate interplay between fear, resilience, and the ever-looming spectre of psychological distress. Finn’s deft storytelling and the captivating performances of the cast propel viewers into a realm where horror meets introspection, fostering a space for exploration of the profound and unsettling effects of trauma. As ‘Smile’ continues to captivate audiences, the enigmatic charm of its haunting tale persists, drawing viewers into a world where dread and resilience intersect in a captivating and chilling dance.