The Smile Club

The Smile Club is a kitschy horror narrative told through contemporary dance and physical theatre. The film is inspired by an alleged post-war experiment in Budapest that sought to combat despair by enforcing happiness through artificial smiles. It follows a group of participants subjected to a sinister treatment where grotesque rituals and forced joy become tools of control. What begins as an optimistic program quickly unravels into a surreal nightmare of oppression. As tensions rise, the participants begin to rebel, creating fleeting moments of chaos and defiance. Inspired by old musicals and 90s asylum films, The Smile Club blends dark humour, theatricality, and striking movement to create a bold, emotional experience.