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MOVIE REVIEW
'The Nun II' Is A Decent Entry In The Conjuring Universe That Improves Upon The First Movie
By Sal LoCicero | September 13, 2023
5 years ago, audiences were introduced to ‘The Nun’ (2018); the fifth entry in the ‘Conjuring’ universe. The first prequel took place in 1952 and was to explore the history behind Valek, the demonic nun. While it was a financial hit, grossing over $300 million worldwide, the movie was unsuccessful in delivering a compelling backstory. Now a second movie has arrived, taking place in 1956.
After a priest is murdered, Sister Irene (Tessa Farmiga) begins to investigate the evil that is responsible, but her search eventually leads her once face-to-face with Valek, the demonic nun. ‘The Nun II’ had its own potential to live up to, not only as a sequel, but as (another) “sequel-prequel” that is in the ‘Conjuring’ universe. ‘Annabelle: Creation’ (2017) is a sequel to 2014’s ‘Annabelle’ (a prequel to 2013’s ‘The Conjuring’), and it is superior to the first.
Fortunately, ‘The Nun II’ is far better than the previous movie. It delivers quality scares and is more disturbing - the opening sequence alone is brutal. The story is simple, but the filmmakers find a way to make it as entertaining as possible. The jumpscares are decent, but it's the use of suspense that increases your anxiety. Director Michael Chaves (‘The Conjuring 3: The Devil Made Me Do It’) definitely knows how to frighten the audience even before anything jumps out on screen.
Chaves’ directing also allows for the cast - aside from Taissa Farmiga - to present a better performance. The characters have also improved and are given a purpose, except for the character Debra (Storm Reid) - whose relevance fades as the movie progresses.
Some subplots that revolve around Sister Irene and Valek feel come off unnecessary, including a particular storyline near the conclusion that becomes as far-fetched as how Pennywise’s origin was depicted in ‘IT: Chapter Two’ (2019). This sequel still struggles to be the horror movie that fans were highly anticipating back in 2018, because it is not perfect. Nowhere near it, and that’s what continues to affect this prequel’s potential.
However, ‘The Nun II’ manages to make itself work not only as a decent entry in the ‘Conjuring’ Universe, but as a decent horror movie alone.
Grade: B
What are your thoughts?
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