The Nun 2 Review: Jump Scares Galore, But We’ve Seen It All Before

The horror genre has seen a resurgence in recent years, with The Conjuring universe leading the charge. Among the most anticipated releases from this universe was The Nun 2, a sequel to the 2018 film The Nun. With high expectations and a dedicated fanbase eagerly awaiting its release, does the film live up to the hype?

So, without any further ado, let’s dive into our review of The Nun 2, which is still in cinemas.

The Nun 2’s Setting and Atmosphere

Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

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The Nun 2 continues the eerie and haunting atmosphere of its predecessor. The film’s setting, a blend of old-world monasteries and dark, foreboding landscapes, serves as the perfect backdrop for the terror that unfolds. The cinematography is commendable, capturing the essence of a gothic horror film, with dimly lit corridors, shadowy figures, and an ever-present sense of dread.

The Plot

The film picks up from where the first left off. In 1956, Father Noiret and Jacques are seen performing their daily chores in their church in Tarascon, France. A series of mysterious and horrifying events lead Sister Irene, played by Taissa Farmiga, to investigate a series of deaths across Europe. These deaths are attributed to the demon Valak, with whom Irene has had a previous encounter. As the story unfolds, we see Irene, along with Sister Debra, delving deeper into the mysteries of the demon and its connection to a series of historical events and relics.

The Nun 2’s Cast

Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

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The performances in the film are one of its strongest points. Taissa Farmiga reprises her role as Sister Irene, delivering a performance filled with depth and emotion. Her portrayal of a nun battling both her inner demons and the very real demon Valak is commendable. Jonas Bloquet returns as Maurice, and his transformation and the internal conflict he portrays adds layers to the story. New additions to the cast include Storm Reid and Anna Popplewell, both of whom deliver solid performances. However, the standout is undoubtedly Bonnie Aarons as the Nun. Her portrayal is chilling, and she embodies the terror that the character represents.

The Pros

Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

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Jump Scares Done Right

While many horror films misuse jump scares, The Nun 2 employs them effectively. Each jump scare is well-timed, ensuring that audiences are caught off-guard, making even the most seasoned horror aficionados jump in their seats.

Stellar Performances

The cast truly shines in this sequel. Taissa Farmiga’s portrayal of Sister Irene is both haunting and captivating, showcasing her growth as an actress. Jonas Bloquet as Maurice adds depth to his character, making the audience root for him. But the crown jewel is Bonnie Aarons as the Nun, whose every appearance sends chills down the spine.

Sound Design and Score

The film’s auditory elements are nothing short of brilliant. The eerie background score, coupled with the chilling sound effects, creates an atmosphere of constant dread, making it a character in its own right.

Direction and Cinematography

Michael Chaves showcases his directorial prowess, ensuring that the film, while rooted in the Conjuring universe, has its own unique identity. The cinematography, especially the dimly lit scenes, adds to the film’s gothic horror aesthetic.

Engaging Set Pieces

From the haunting corridors of the monastery to the eerie landscapes, the film boasts some truly memorable set pieces that stay with the audience long after the credits roll.

The Cons

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Formulaic Plot

While the film has its moments of brilliance, the overarching plot feels all too familiar. It treads on well-worn paths, offering little in terms of innovation or fresh storytelling.

Over-reliance on Jump Scares

Despite the effective use of jump scares, the film leans on them a bit too much, making some moments predictable and lessening the impact of the scares as the film progresses.

Rushed Climax

One of the film’s major pitfalls is its climax. After a slow and deliberate build-up, the final act feels hurried, with events unfolding too quickly, leaving audiences wanting more depth and resolution.

Lack of Originality

For a film that had so much potential, The Nun 2 often falls back on tried-and-tested horror tropes. This lack of originality prevents it from standing out in a crowded genre.

Scripting Issues

While the performances are strong, the script sometimes feels lacklustre. Certain dialogues and scenes could have been fleshed out better to provide more depth to the characters and the narrative.

Final Thoughts on The Nun 2

Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

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The Nun 2 is an enigma of sorts. On one hand, it boasts commendable performances, especially from Bonnie Aarons, and manages to craft an atmosphere that’s genuinely eerie and unsettling. The film’s sound design, cinematography, and certain set pieces are a testament to the potential of the Conjuring universe and the talent behind it.

However, on the other hand, it’s hard to overlook the film’s shortcomings. The lack of originality in the plot, the over-reliance on familiar horror tropes, and a climax that feels rushed are aspects that prevent it from reaching the heights it could have achieved. For a universe as rich and diverse as The Conjuring, one would expect a sequel like The Nun 2 to push boundaries and offer something fresh to the audience.

For fans of the universe, the film offers enough to keep them engaged and adds another chapter to the ever-expanding lore. But for those venturing into this world for the first time or those looking for a groundbreaking horror experience, The Nun 2 might come off as a mixed bag. It’s a film that teeters between being genuinely good and just another run-of-the-mill horror flick.

In the grand scheme of horror cinema, The Nun 2 will find its audience and will undoubtedly have its moments of glory. But will it be remembered as a classic in the years to come? Only time will tell.

What do you make of this review? Have you watched The Nun 2 in cinemas? If so, what did you make of the horror movie?

You can still watch The Nun 2 in cinemas worldwide right now.