“The Conjuring” universe is always expanding with potential sequels in the works. However, when the series steps away from the case files of Ed and Lorraine Warren, the results can be mixed: spinoff characters don’t seem to have the same beloved fanbase the Warrens do.
When “The Nun” released in 2018, it was a spinoff from “The Conjuring 2,” which explored the origins of the demon nun Valak. There was a lot of anticipation when the film came out, as Valak proved to be one of the franchise’s scariest characters. However, “The Nun” turned out to be one of the franchise’s worst, alongside “Annabelle,” which was the origin story of the creepy doll from the first “Conjuring” film. On the positive side, the sequel to “Annabelle” was a lot stronger than its predecessor, and “The Nun II” follows this trend of producing a much stronger sequel.
An Improvement on the First Film
Set four years after the first film, Sister Irene is again played by Taissa Farmiga. Viewers of the first film will remember she was a lookout to her sister Vera, who made an appearance at the end of “The Nun,” teeing up a sequel to “The Conjuring” films. Sister Irene has been in Italy and has been laying low since her last battle with the demon — but now since Valak is back, she’s been asked to track her down given a series of supernatural clergy murders. Sister Irene teams up with new Sister Debra (Storm Reid) as they travel across Europe to find the demonic nun. She is living and terrorising students at a French boarding school where Maurice (Jonas Bloquet) — returning from the first film — is currently jobbing there as a handyman.
The film is co-written by Akela Cooper, the screenwriter who wrote two of the most original horror films of the last five years: “M3gan” and “Malignant.” However, revisions were done, which shows in the tone of the film. A lot happens to establish the characters in the film, particularly schoolteacher Kate (played by Anna Popplewell), whose daughter Sophie’s (Katelyn Rose Downey) relationship with Maurice is integral to the plot. There is a potential romance with Kate and a friendship with Sophie, which helps her in distressing times with school bullies. Amidst the backstory — as with any good horror film — there are big set pieces which deliver scares. However, with what happens in many films lately, trailers tend to spoil the most frightening scenes and “The Nun II” is no exception.
Expanding ‘The Conjuring’ Universe
This is to say the result of the film is a mid-range “Conjuring” film, which will unlikely be a rewatch for many die hard horror fans’ list. However, irregardless it is a stronger and more well constructed second instalment. It expands the ever-growing “Conjuring” universe, which has proven to be one of horror’s most inventive and frightening series yet.
“The Nun II” is currently showing in theaters.
