I’m intrigued by the recent trend of horror movies exploring the darker side of pop stardom. The releases of “Smile 2” and “Trap” have shone a chilling spotlight on the perils and vulnerabilities that come with being a high-profile musical artist in today’s landscape.
In “Smile 2,” director Parker Finn follows up on the success of his 2022 hit “Smile” by centering the story around Skye Riley, a troubled Grammy-winning pop star, played by Naomi Scott. The film explores the terrifying experience of Skye’s possession by a demonic entity, compelling her to face her own inner demons, both metaphorically and literally.
The parallels between Skye’s plight and the real-life struggles of pop stars like Amy Winehouse and Britney Spears are undeniable. The film’s use of paparazzi-style footage to capture Skye’s public breakdowns serves as a chilling reminder of the intense scrutiny and pressure faced by those in the public eye.
Similarly, M. Night Shyamalan’s “Trap” takes a sinister twist on the pop star narrative. In the film, Saleka’s portrayal of the fictional artist Lady Raven sets the stage for a serial killer’s intricate plot. The movie taps into the inherent vulnerability of a performer on stage, where the line between adoration and obsession can become dangerously blurred.
These films arrive at a time when the business of being a pop star has never been more lucrative and high-profile. The recent successes of tours by artists like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé have only heightened the public’s fascination with the lives of these musical icons. Yet, as these films suggest, that level of fame and adoration can also come at a heavy cost.
As a news reporter, I find it fascinating how “Smile 2” and “Trap” explore the dark side of pop stardom, where the pressures of fame, the threat of fan obsession, and the very nature of the performer-audience dynamic can all converge to create a truly nightmarish scenario.
These films serve as a sobering reminder that the glitz and glamour of the music industry often masks a much more sinister reality. They challenge audiences to confront the potential dangers and vulnerabilities that can come with being a public figure, even one as seemingly untouchable as a global pop sensation.
As the box office numbers for “Smile 2” and the critical acclaim for “Anora” (the Palme d’Or-winning film that also examines the life of a sex worker) demonstrate, there is a clear appetite for these darker explorations of fame and celebrity. We can only speculate about what other filmmakers will reveal about the dark side of pop stardom.