The Nun 2 Review - The Nun Scares You Again, But Dares Less

The Nun 2 Review: Michael Chaves serves as a director for the sequel to The Nun (2018), The Nun 2 (2023), which is the 9th film in 'The Conjuring' franchise. The Nun was slammed by critics, but I don't know why; I enjoyed it a lot. For me, it was and is the only film in the Conjuring universe that goes to the roots of the demon and the weapon (blood) to kill it. The Nun 2 didn't come with a lot of expectations, so it's a decent watch for those who liked/enjoyed The Nun and a skippable flick for others. The Nun is actually one of the most impressive ideas I have come across in the horror genre because it shows the Nun as a demon, while our ancient notion of the Nun has always been contrary. This one reason is enough to look at The Nun franchise as a standout horror film, but I agree that it needs to work on the storytelling. The Nun 2 has typical jump scares that would have people talking about the scenes during the watch. I saw many girls saying, "Oh F.." "What the hell," "Ohh Shiiiit," and such words during those elevated horror scenes. I guess they were enough for them, but not for me as a critic. Despite that, I didn't leave the auditorium with a heavy ache, and that's enough to call it a safe film.The Nun 2 continues the story forward from The Nun events as we see some new brutal murders happening around. Set four years after the ending of the first film, this sequel follows Sister Irene (Taissa Farmiga) as she is given the task of finding the devil and stopping it. She has to face the demonic force Valak, the Nun (Bonnie Aarons), at a boarding school in France, where she is looking for the eyes of Saint Lucy. The relic holds unbeatable powers for both Irene and Valak. Meanwhile, Frenchie (Jonas Bloquet) is possessed by the devil after he saved Irene in the first film. The devil is using him to find those "Eyes" in the boarding school, where Frenchie has befriended a little girl, Sophie (Katelyn Rose Downey), and his mother, Kate (Anna Popplewell). Sister Irene is joined by Sister Debra (Storm Reid) on the hunt for the nun. Will they be able to stop Valak again and send her back to hell?The Nun is a pacy film with a runtime of 110 minutes, therefore becoming an engaging ride. The first two acts are quite slow, though, while the third act works as a saving grace for the film. The usual jump scares haven't become old-fashioned yet. Yes, we don't get that groundbreaking experience like Nosferatu (1922), Dracula (1931), Frankenstein (1931), The Wolf Man (1941), The Night Of The Demon (1957), The Exorcist (1973), and The Evil Dead (1981) from modern films, but we have something else. Today's horror films are more about technical brilliance, sound design, screams, silence before the storm, and extra-loud human scares. The Nun follows all these traditional formulas to present a new story, which is hardly unique. I can't understand why some writers have to go so over the top with their writing that it all starts looking fake and artificial, especially with children. That little girl here actually climbed up with one hand into a gigantic collapsing tower. What the hell?From the first film, I always felt that Taissa Farmiga suited the role of the innocent nun. She has that innocence on her face, and that carries the entire character very nicely. Her sensitive skin turns reddish in those dangerous scenes, adding extra naturality. Bonnie Aarons's Nun is scary enough to shake you from your seats. Won't scare the sh.. outta you, but yeah, something along those lines. Frenchie's character is well used here, and Jonas Bloquet has played it well. Storm Reid lacks worthy scenes; Katelyn Rose Downey shines as a child artist; and Anna Popplewell is somewhat okay. This isn't an acting-driven film, so it's unfair to expect too much when they have done fairly well.The Nun 2 empowers itself with an effective use of technical skills. Marco Beltrami's music, background score, and sound design are more than fine, as they help elevate your viewing experience. The big screen is the right place to understand it because the small screen won't do it justice. The cinematography by Tristan Nyby is good but could have been better. Why are there no reversed or rotated frames here? One would expect them in a supernatural horror flick, and when the devil is strong. A missed opportunity, I would say. The visual effects are impressive even in 2D. Michael Chaves has already directed a couple of films in the Conjuring universe, and both have been watchable. Well, he just made it again. Sadly, he didn't climb up the ladder. The Nun has some repetitive action and typical horror elements, but the conclusion gives it that much-needed extra push. Overall, it's another Nun film made with only one ambition, which is to not have any ambitions and be honest with your fans. Find your seat in the dark cinema halls if that suits you.