Freeze Frame: “Smile 2” (R), “Exhibiting Forgiveness” (R), “Woman of the Hour” (R)

The 2022 horror hit “Smile” gets its inevitable sequel. In “Smile 2,” Naomi Scott plays a pop star haunted by a malevolent entity that causes people to kill themselves and pass the evil onto a witness to continue the chain of suicide. The jump scares and body horror are all there and Scott goes all in, giving a compelling lead performance. While it’s overlong and gets way too literal at the finale, “Smile 2” provides plenty of gory chills for horror fans.

“Exhibiting Forgiveness” is a dysfunctional family drama reportedly inspired by filmmaker Titus Kaphar’s own personal story. André Holland plays Tarrell, a successful artist estranged from his abusive father La’Ron, portrayed by John Earl Jelks. When La’Ron attempts a reconciliation with his adult son after conquering his drug addiction, Tarrell rejects his overtures as too little, too late. While the movie suffers from a few of the missteps from a novice filmmaker, strong performances and a sincere and realistic treatment of the subject matter make “Exhibiting Forgiveness” an earnest and thoughtful drama.

For her directorial debut, actress Anna Kendrick has chosen a story unlike her own. “Woman of the Hour” is a Netflix suspense thriller based on the true story of the “Dating Game” killer. Kendrick plays a wannabe actress in 1970s Los Angeles who, short on dough, takes her agent’s offer for her to appear on “The Dating Game.” One of the three charming bachelors she must choose from turns out to be a rapist and serial killer. While Kendrick is best known for her comic chops, “Woman of the Hour” is a competently made drama that shines a spotlight on the era’s undeniable misogyny.

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