Based on Parker Finn’s 2020 short film ‘Laura Hasn’t Slept,’ ‘Smile’ is a psychological horror movie written and directed by him. It chronicles the bizarre and frightening series of events Dr. Rose Cotter begins to experience after witnessing a traumatic incident involving her patient. To end such occurrences, she must face her scarred past head-on before the overwhelming feeling of terror takes over her entire life.
The horror movie keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats as they watch the nail-biting narrative come to life with stellar performances from a talented cast, including Sosie Bacon, Kyle Gallner, Caitlin Stasey, Jessie T. Usher, and Rob Morgan. The relatively darker undertone hints at the sinister and terrorizing aspects of the narrative, while the interesting use of locations throughout makes one wonder where ‘Smile’ was shot. If your mind is stuck on the same question, allow us to fill you in on all the details about the same!
Smile Filming Locations
‘Smile’ was filmed entirely in New Jersey, specifically in Jersey City, Union County, and Hoboken. The principal photography for the horror movie reportedly commenced in October 2021, under the working title of ‘Something’s Wrong With Rose,’ and wrapped up after a month or so in November of the same year. Now, without further ado, let us take you through all the specific filming sites that appear in the thriller movie!
Jersey City, New Jersey
As per reports, many pivotal sequences for ‘Smile’ were lensed in Jersey City, New Jersey’s second most populous city. Situated on the peninsula known as Bergen Neck, it is the county seat of Hudson County. Jersey City is home to several landmarks and tourist attractions, such as the Statue of Liberty National Monument, Liberty Science Center, the Colgate Clock, the Jersey City Free Public Library, and the Jersey City Museum. Moreover, it has been a pivotal shooting site for many productions, such as ‘Joker,’ ‘Warrior,’ ‘A Beautiful Mind,’ and ‘The Equalizer.’
Other Locations in New Jersey
Additional portions for ‘Smile’ were reportedly taped in Union County in northern New Jersey. In particular, the cast and crew members utilized the premises of the Union County Jail at 15 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth to record some pivotal scenes for the movie. Furthermore, during the filming schedule, the team was spotted recording a few portions on location at Arlington Diner at 1 River Road in North Arlington. Besides that, they set up camp in and around Hoboken, a city in New Jersey’s Hudson County.
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