Skye Riley (fictional character)
An editor has nominated this article for deletion. You are welcome to participate in the deletion discussion, which will decide whether or not to retain it. |
 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (December 2024) |
| Skye Riley | |
|---|---|
| Smile franchise character | |
| Created by | Parker Finn |
| Based on | Lady Gaga |
| Portrayed by | Naomi Scott |
| In-universe information | |
| Race | Caucasian |
| Gender | Female |
| Occupation | singer-songwriter |
Skye Riley (portrayed by Naomi Scott) was the main protagonist of the psychological horror film Smile 2.
Naomi Scott's portrayal of Skye Riley was positively received, with her being one of the nominees for 2025's Saturn Awards for Best Actress in a film.[1]
Character overview
[edit]Skye Riley is introduced as an international pop sensation on the verge of a comeback tour following a tumultuous period marked by a highly publicized struggle with substance abuse and a tragic car accident that resulted in the death of her boyfriend, Paul Hudson. Under the strict supervision of her mother and manager, Elizabeth, and her assistant, Joshua, Skye endeavors to rebuild her career while contending with unresolved emotional and physical scars.
Role
[edit]In Smile 2, Skye's life takes a harrowing turn when she becomes afflicted by a sinister curse that manifests through hallucinations of people with unsettling smiles. Her initial encounter with the curse occurs after she witnesses the gruesome suicide of her former high school classmate and drug dealer, Lewis Fregoli, who is under the curse's influence. This traumatic event triggers a series of terrifying experiences that exacerbate her existing vulnerabilities.
As the narrative progresses, Skye's mental state deteriorates due to the escalating hallucinations and the pressures of her impending tour. Her relationship with her mother becomes increasingly strained, highlighting the complexities of familial bonds under the strain of fame and personal demons. Skye's struggle against the curse culminates in a desperate attempt to rid herself of the entity, reflecting her resilience and determination despite overwhelming odds.
Development and reception
[edit]Naomi Scott's portrayal of Skye Riley drew inspiration from pop icons like Lady Gaga and Madonna, aiming to capture the complexities of a pop star under duress. The character's development was crafted to explore themes of fame, addiction, and the psychological toll of trauma. Critics noted that while Smile 2 shared similarities with its predecessor, Skye's character added depth to the narrative, with her detailed backstory evoking sympathy and enhancing the film's thematic richness.[2]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Smile 2 (2024) - Awards. IMDb. Retrieved 2024-12-15.
- ^ Goslin, Austen (2024-10-17). "Smile 2 is smarter, scarier, and much better than the first movie". Polygon. Retrieved 2024-12-20.