Skye Riley: The Final Girl We Deserved in the Smile Franchise

Dec 6

The Smile franchise has delivered spine-chilling thrills and unforgettable characters, but none stand out quite like Skye Riley, played by the immensely talented Naomi Scott. A character bursting with layers, complexities, and fierce resilience, Skye truly deserved to be the final girl of the series for numerous compelling reasons. So, let’s get into it!

*Smile 2* (2024) | Naomi Scott | Paramount Pictures

Naomi Scott is Spectacular

Scott’s portrayal of Skye is nothing short of spectacular. Scott brings range and various layers to the character, making it impossible not to feel connected to Skye’s wide range of heightened emotions.

From vulnerability and fear to anger and determination, Scott’s performance is a masterclass in genre acting. Her ability to convey Skye’s inner turmoil and strength adds richness to the character that elevates the entire Smile series. It's Scott’s impeccable portrayal that makes Skye not just a character, but a person audiences can root for and empathize with.

Boldly Unpredictable

One of the most striking aspects of Skye Riley is her fearless and unpredictable nature. She isn't afraid to confront anyone, be it right or wrong, friend, foe, or even her mother. This boldness is crucial when fighting for one's life, especially in the terrifying world of Smile.

Skye’s willingness to challenge and stand up to anyone who poses a threat makes her a formidable protagonist that’s worth rooting for. Even if she occasionally misses the mark… Her unpredictability keeps her staff, friends, and the audience on their toes, adding a thrilling dynamic to her character.

A Complexly Written Icon

Skye is not just a typical horror movie character; she’s a complexly written icon. Her intricate relationship with fame, history with substance abuse, and tumultuous relationships add depth to her character, making her far more than a one-dimensional final girl.

Thrust into the sometimes-toxic world of pop music and modern stan culture, Skye navigates these turbulent waters while battling the horrifying entity of Smile — and these struggles with personal demons and the pressures of celebrity life create a unique narrative that sets her apart from other horror protagonists.

A Reliable Franchise Anchor

The Smile franchise, known for its relentless terror and high body count, could easily benefit from an anchor—someone who can provide continuity and depth across the films. And we feel confident that Skye could have been that anchor. Seeing Skye survive the malevolent entity’s attacks (or dying and coming back) would have subverted audience expectations, especially given the franchise's reputation for killing off its characters.

As a famous pop star, Skye's public accessibility would make it plausible for the entity to return to her in a future installment, creating a compelling narrative where she becomes the first character to encounter the entity more than once. This continuity could have added a new layer of tension and familiarity to the series. Yes, the ending is strikingly haunting — but we’d still like to think there’s a universe where Skye is the unexpected survivor.

We Selfishly Needed More Music

Skye is not just a target; she’s a pop icon. Her EP (helmed by Interscope) has offered one of the best pop-skewing soundtracks in years, providing a refreshing blend of catchy beats and meaningful lyrics. In the high-stakes world of Smile, Skye’s music serves as both a solace and a form of expression, perfectly placed throughout the film.

That being said, fans deserved more of Skye’s authentic pop tracks, which added an engaging and memorable aspect to a genre where music doesn’t typically get to take center stage. In this film, Skye’s craft is an extension of her character and losing her meant losing a piece of legendary pop music.

As audiences continue to embrace her story for years to come, the legacy of Skye Riley remains a testament to everything she embodies that could have made her a truly iconic final girl.

Isn't it clear that Skye Riley was the final girl we all needed? Stream Smile 2 on Paramount+.