10 Split-Second Movie Shots You Will NEVER Forget

9. Head Flop - Smile

Deadpool 2 Brad Pitt Vanisher
Paramount

Smile opens with psychiatrist, Rose Cotter, witnessing a patient killing herself after claiming she's been tormented by an ever-grinning shapeshifter. While on sabbatical, Rose learns the same malevolent force is hounding her.

As the entity continues to harass Rose, her mental state quickly unravels. When her sister Holly tells her she's acting like their mother before she took her own life, Rose storms to her car in a huff.

As Rose collects her thoughts, Holly can be spotted in the background slowly making her way towards the vehicle. Even though we know a jump-scare is coming, no one is ready for what's about to happen. After Rose looks up at Holly, her sister's head swing around 180 degrees, sneering at her gleefully.

What makes this shot more impressive is the fact it could've looked really stupid. Despite being a part of the original script, director and writer Parker Finn said it was "something that everyone around me was trying to wrap their head around."

It's fortunate Parker stuck to his guns and kept it in, as it's the best jump-scare in the whole film.

Contributor
Contributor

James Egan has written 80 books including 1000 Facts about Superheroes Vol. 1-3 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 TV Shows Vol. 1-3 Twitter - @jameswzegan85