SMILE... The Worst Is Yet To Come Offers A Raw Look At Relationships

SMILE... The Worst Is Yet To Come follows Birdie and Ben, a couple in their forties who are struggling to start a family. Seeking a change of scenery and some peace of mind, they retreat to a lake house. Their quiet getaway takes an unexpected turn when they meet a younger influencer couple, leading to a night of intense conversations and surprising emotional honesty.

The film does a great job of showing how different generations view the world. While the influencer characters start off feeling a bit grating, they reveal a surprising amount of depth as the night progresses. The chemistry between the four leads allows the movie to touch on heavy topics like regret and loss without ever feeling like it is taking sides or judging the characters.

While the character development and dialogue are strong, the ending is a bit of a letdown. It feels a bit too simple compared to the complex journey that leads up to it. Still, the film is a thoughtful look at what it takes to keep a long term relationship healthy when life throws you a curveball.

Fans can catch the film at the Laemmle Noho on September 9 during the Studio City Film Festival. A wider release is currently planned for 2027.