10 Best Jump Scares From 2024’s Biggest Horror Movies

6. Paul's Reappearance - Smile 2

The Strangers Chapter 1
Paramount Pictures

On paper, being hounded by a grinning demon doesn't sound like the worst fate in the world. Having said that, Parker Finn's Smile proved to be one of the most unsettling horrors of 2020.

Like the first film, Smile 2 contains a deluge of memorable jump-scares. However, there's one moment in particular that stands out. 

After Grammy-winning pop star Skye (Naomi Scott) is cursed by the Smile Entity, she sees the leering creature everywhere she goes, often resembling someone she knows. While at a charity event, Skye notices the smirking demon in the audience, who has taken the form of her dead boyfriend, Paul (played by Jack Nicholson's son, Ray). As Paul arrives on the podium, Skye becomes increasingly agitated, causing her to shut her eyes. When she opens them up, Paul is nowhere to be seen.

As she breathes a sigh of relief, a bloodied Paul grabs Skye from behind, still beaming from ear-to-ear.

Even though this scene is superb on a technical level, the impeccable casting of Ray Nicholson elevates it. Like his dad, Ray has little trouble conveying an inhuman menace through the simple act of smiling. The set-up was disturbing in itself, but having Paul inexplicably reappear while drenched in blood was the icing on the cake.

 
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James Egan has been with Whatculture for five years and prominently works on Horror, Film, and Video Games. He's written over 80 books including 1000 Facts about Horror Movies Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about The Greatest Films Ever Made Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about Video Games Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts About James Bond 1000 Facts About TV Shows