Why is "Smile" Rated R? An In-Depth Look at the Factors Behind the Restricted Rating

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

Paramount‘s new horror thriller "Smile" has carved up an R-rating from the MPAA for strong violent content, grisly images, and language. As a lover of scary movies, I was intrigued yet cautious when I heard director Parker Finn‘s feature debut carried the infamous red box warning.

R-ratings on horror films alert audiences to expect graphic intensity beyond the PG-13 crowd. However, great horror relies on more than just shock value gore. So I closely analyzed what earned "Smile" its rating to determine if the violence contributes to an effective fright fest or just gratuitous trauma.

Breaking Down the Elements Behind "Smile‘s" R

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has four rating classifications that assess the suitability of a film‘s content for certain age groups. Their criteria centers on violence, language, drug use, nudity, and other mature elements.

  • G – General audiences of all ages
  • PG – Parental guidance suggested for some material
  • PG-13 – Parents strongly cautioned for inappropriate content for under 13
  • R – Restricted to 17 or older unless with parent/guardian

Within the R-rating itself lies a spectrum, from soft Rs like the language-driven "Joker" to extreme graphic content in the "Saw" franchise. Based on the MPAA‘s classification, reviews, and my expert analysis of the horror genre, these factors contributed to "Smile" landing toward the intense end of R-ratings:

Visceral Violence

Veteran horror magazine Fangoria calls it "grimsily violent" with several "wince-inducing scenes." One of the earliest sequences features a character violently slitting their own throat. The Wrap‘s review notes that this moment "sets the tone for the rest of the movie" – ie. extremely bloody imagery.

Grisly Gore

While jump scares flood the runtime, creative kill scenes push the limits of MPAA gore tolerance. Victims committing self-harm under trance (possession by entities if you believe the film‘s lore) utilize nearby weapons from scissors to gunshots with brutal finishes. Entertainment Weekly calls it "wickedly sharp-toothed" horror.

Language Laced Throughout

Profanity peppers most of the dialogue, albeit not quite at Martin Scorcese gangster pic levels. Still F-bombs and other choice words land enough to warrant mention from the MPAA. There‘s also some sexual references tossed around lending to a very hard R.

Psychological Distress

While not a criteria itself, thematic intensity factors into ratings. "Smile" centers on past trauma, suicide, and very warped imagery that indie outlet ScreenAnarchy says may "wreak havoc on viewers‘ mental states." Fair warning.

Beyond just the R-rating though, I wanted to offer guidance around who can handle "Smile" – from an expert lens on horror content.

Recommended Ages for Handling "Smile‘s" Scares

Director Parker Finn shares that he aimed to make an intense, adult psychological thriller with "Smile." The R-rating reflects that through advisers on appropriate audiences:

  • Under 17: Legally prohibited from seeing R-films in theaters without parent/adult guardian
  • Ages 15+: Could attend with parent based on ability to handle extreme content
  • Ages 17+: Recommended as the most appropriate audience based on maturity level

For context, the recent horror smash "The Black Phone" landed a less restrictive R and was considered by Common Sense Media suitable even for strong-stomached 16 year olds. So use that as a comparison point for gauging yourself against "Smile."

Horror Gaming Perspective on R-Rated Violence

As a gaming content creator, I like to compare scary games and movies to translate tone. While games utilize ratings systems differing from the MPAA, it‘s useful context.

For reference, many of today‘s most intense survival horror titles land a Mature rating from the Entertainment Software Rating Board:

  • Resident Evil Village
  • The Callisto Protocol
  • Dead Space

These games feature persistent graphic violence and disturbing imagery. Parents/guardians should handle with discretion for players under 17.

ESRB‘s Mature rating best aligns with the MPAA‘s R-rating through their content descriptions. So based on my gaming horror experience, I would expect "Smile" to capture that same visceral tension.

Real Audience Reactions

Beyond the critical reception, user reviews provide quantifiable fright feedback. "Smile" scores a 76% approval on RottenTomatoes from general audience members:

  • 😱 63% said it was "scary"
  • 😨 83% called it "suspenseful"
  • ⚠️ 76% labeled it "violent"

Those are extremely high percentages in the horror genre, signaling the effectively terrifying atmosphere.

So scare-seekers can anticipate a truly intense rollercoaster based on those metrics. Mainstream moviegoers though may want to brace themselves.

Specific Trigger Warnings Related to "Smile"

While I never advocate censorship, providing warnings on potentially traumatic content gives viewers agency. I believe fans have a right to enjoy horror while managing their personal boundaries.

Here are specific trigger topics to note with "Smile" if such subjects are sensititve for you:

  • Suicide
  • Self-harm
  • Blood/gore
  • Disturbing/violent imagery
  • Strobing lights
  • Past trauma/PTSD triggers

Use discretion even if you typically enjoy R-rated horror. "Smile" leans more disturbing than your average supernatural thriller.

The Wrap: Harrowing Yet Effective Haunted House

As a whole, critics conclude "Smile" utilizes its graphic content and tension to support an impactful horror allegory examining trauma and grief. While unrelentingly grim, the sheer fright-factor earns its R through depth not just shock value.

So enter with caution, but an open mind to the film‘s messages. And whatever you do – try not to scream.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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