In 1956 France, a priest is violently murdered, and Sister Irene begins to investigate. She once again comes face-to-face with a powerful evil.
In the ever-expanding world of The Conjuring, The Nun II emerges as an above-average addition that navigates the complexities of its cinematic lineage admirably. Under the direction of Michael Chaves and featuring a talented ensemble cast led by Taissa Farmiga, Jonas Bloquet, and Storm Reid, this sequel strikes a fine balance between supernatural horror and character-driven storytelling.
Rather than getting entangled in the intricacies of the Conjuring universe, the film presents a self-contained narrative while still acknowledging its ties to previous installments. Positioned as a distant prequel to the original The Conjuring, it follows the compassionate Sister Irene (played by Taissa Farmiga) as she seeks solace in a secluded abbey, where she mentors young nuns, including the spirited Sister Debra (Storm Reid). However, when a call for help comes from Rome, Sister Irene must once again confront satanic malevolence.
The Nun II unfolds like a classic horror film from the 1960s, embracing a deliberate pace reminiscent of the genre's early days. The story is divided into two distinct segments. In the first, Irene and Debra investigate a series of gruesome deaths seemingly linked to the supernatural influence of the demon Valak. The second half introduces Maurice (Jonas Bloquet), a handyman who played a role in defeating Valak previously and now works at St. Mary's Boarding School for Girls, a converted monastery.
Chaves skillfully juggles these parallel storylines, with the anticipation that Irene and Maurice will eventually reunite to confront Valak anew. The demon, as expected, retains its sinister charm, toying with its victims before dispatching them in gruesome fashion.
One of the film's merits lies in its technical prowess, with exceptional production values enhancing the overall experience. Anna Downey, portraying Sophie, the daughter of the school's primary educator, Kate (Anna Popplewell), delivers a captivating performance and shares a subtly moving father-daughter bond with Maurice. Downey's presence captivates the audience, and Chaves wisely keeps the spotlight on her whenever possible.
While The Nun II may be perceived as somewhat disorganized by some viewers, it nevertheless remains an engaging horror film that effectively conveys an atmosphere of tension. The fear and vulnerability of the characters are unmistakable, and the film strikes a balance between employing cheap jump scares and cultivating moments of genuine dread. It's these latter instances that yield some of the franchise's most unsettling sequences, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Despite its familiarity, Valak's presence manages to induce unease, courtesy of the original character design and Bonnie Aarons's compelling performance. The film knows when to inject moments of lightheartedness but predominantly maintains a serious tone, adhering to the expected trajectory of a horror movie.
In the end, The Nun II excels in creating an atmospheric setting, leveraging the eerie backdrop of old European buildings in the 1950s. The film's opening sequence, featuring the gruesome demise of a priest, alerts the Vatican to the resurgence of the evil Irene had previously thwarted.
While the film occasionally follows well-worn paths with characters navigating dimly lit rooms and alleys, Michael Chaves's direction and Tristan Nyby's cinematography succeed in generating a chilling sense of suspense and tension in the eerie scenes. Once again, Bonnie Aarons commands attention with her sheer physical presence, further enhancing the film's eerie ambiance.
The Nun II may not revolutionize the horror genre, but it offers an enjoyable and suspenseful viewing experience. It combines impressive visuals, a compelling narrative, and relatable characters to create a sequel that stands as a respectable addition to the Conjuring universe. While it doesn't break new ground, it effectively delivers scares and maintains an atmosphere of dread that will keep audiences engrossed.
The Nun II was released in NZ cinemas on September 7, 2023