Warning: This article contains spoilers for Smile 2.

Warning: This article contains mentions of self-harm.

In an evil force called The Entity, which haunts victims with horrifying hallucinations of people smiling before forcing them to take their own lives. Smile 2 follows Skye Riley, a pop star who is returning to the limelight after getting into a violent car accident.

A major aspect of Smile 2 is the fact that Skye is surrounded by people who expect things from her, yet she cannot provide because of the Entity. One of the few people who asks nothing of her is Gemma, who is introduced as Skye's former best friend with whom she had a falling out prior to the movie. Ultimately, Skye calls Gemma and apologizes when she finds herself needing a friend. She confides in Gemma and relies on her until Smile 2's big twist reveals that Gemma is actually a facade created by the Entity to trick Skye.

Smile 2 Doesn't Fully Explain Why Gemma & Skye Riley Aren't Friends Anymore

Why Smile 2 Doesn't Give The Whole Story

It is explicitly stated that Skye and Gemma had a falling out before the events of Smile 2, yet the movie never explains what exactly happened between the two. It is obvious that the pair had a fight that ruined their friendship, and audiences even get a peek at their final text conversation, which includes Skye brutally insulting Gemma, though there's no explanation as to why. Then, when Skye calls Gemma, it seems as though the pair haven't talked in a while, but Gemma's concern for Skye overtakes her grudge, leading Gemma to come over.

It may seem strange for Smile 2 to introduce this conflict without ever fully explaining it, but it actually makes sense. The movie makes it clear that Skye's life fell apart around the time of her car accident, and not only did she lose her boyfriend, but she also lost Gemma. It isn't entirely necessary for Smile 2 to dig into the details of Skye and Gemma's fight, and in fact, it might have wasted precious screen time. All audiences really need to know is that the women have a difficult relationship that they must put behind them.

What Skye's Past Suggests Happened With Her & Gemma

Skye's Toxic Personality Explained

Smile 2 may not give solid answers about what happened between Skye and Gemma, but audiences can make some assumptions based on what is shown of Skye's past. The most obvious answer is that Skye's drug and alcohol abuse led to the rift between her and Gemma. Presumably, Skye's addiction made her an unreliable friend, which could have led to tensions between the two. There is also the possibility that Gemma showed concern for Skye's safety and Skye lashed out, not wanting to abandon her vices. It seems likely that Skye lost Gemma's friendship before her car accident.

Although Smile 2 introduces Skye as a woman in recovery, she doesn't always maintain a patient or calm attitude.

Another element of Skye and Gemma's conflict is their warring personalities. Although Smile 2's cast introduces Skye as a woman in recovery, she doesn't always maintain a patient or calm attitude. In fact, she is seemingly prone to being snippy and blunt to those around her. Regardless of the Entity's involvement, Skye tends to be rough around the edges and Gemma seems to be the same way. Even without the drugs and alcohol, it would make sense that Skye and Gemma might have rubbed each other the wrong way at times because of their shared stubbornness.

Smile 3 Is Unlikely To Fill In Skye & Gemma's Backstory

Smile 3 Likely Won't Return To Skye At All

For those hoping for more clarity about Skye and Gemma's relationship, it seems unlikely that the franchise will give a better explanation. In fact, it seems unlikely that Smile 3 will return to Skye at all. At the Smile 2, the Entity forces Skye to take her own life in front of a packed arena. This insinuates that the Entity will begin haunting these witnesses and will spread at an alarming rate, becoming an epidemic. Smile 3 will likely focus on this story, and like the previous two movies, will follow a specific victim.

Unfortunately, Skye and Gemma's story is likely over. The Entity killed Skye and Gemma seemingly wasn't at her final concert. This leaves the characters with no path forward, especially since Skye left the real Gemma some very confusing text messages. It would be great to see the return of Gemma, yet there's no telling where Smile 3 might go. At this point, audiences will have to be satisfied with what Smile 2 has to offer.