The Nun II - A Movie Review

The nun is watching our every step.

The Nun II is a 2023 sequel. Taking place in France in 1956, a priest is murdered. Sister Irene learns the awful truth that Valek, the demon nun has returned. She must face the evil ghost once more before she takes more lives.

I didn’t see The Nun prior to my theater adventure to the sequel but based on reviews, I didn’t miss much. The Nun II is a startling horror film acquainted with a talented cast but why doesn’t it utilize more scenes with the titular villain?

The cast does a remarkable job in their performances. As two nuns travel to new convents, Taissa Farmiga and Storm Reid play Sister Irene and Sister Debra. They are the best parts of the film and they share the best interactions.

Farmiga delivers a performance that is both vulnerable and determined, capturing the essence of a woman trapped in a nightmarish world. I had mixed opinions on Reid if she was misplaced. I like that she was a devious nun, abiding by her own rules.

As for the second subplot of the film, a school for girls is tortured by the nun's ominous spirit. Most of their direction is walking around dark places, hearing strange noises, and screaming rather loudly. That part got annoying.

When not tortured, they’re playing tricks, locking one in a dark room as a joke. Katelyn Rose Downey is a talented kid actress. Sophie is an outcast among the other girls, but she never lets them win. With everything that happens, always stand your ground.

The nun (Bonnie Aarons) is hardly ever around. However, when she appears, she leaves a lasting impression. In total, she only has two minutes worth of screentime in the entire film! I know this was the case with the first film.

Why not make it a full story about the nun’s background instead of the characters who she’s haunting? In the beginning, it felt like it was going to delve further into the history of the demonic ghost until it focused on the secondary characters.

Michael Chaves focused more on the jump scares than building character development. While the narrative is more engaging and coherent than its predecessor, it still relies heavily on jump scares to elicit fear. These sudden bursts of terror are effective in keeping audiences on edge, but they can become predictable and formulaic as the film progresses.

The best (and scariest) scene in this film is the magazine display. This scene is a creative touch for a horror film. This scene does something different. As the magazine pages fly open, the music builds in the background as a familiar dark figure materializes. For some reason, one notable jump scare from the trailer is changed to a secondary character.

Chaves paid close attention to the film’s setting which aids in building tension. The production design and visual effects work together to transport the audience into the dark, oppressive corridors surrounded by ancient religious relics, and eerie statues creating a genuinely unsettling atmosphere.

The ending of The Nun II is climactic with action and suspense happening at every turn. I was on the edge of my seat. While it doesn't reach the emotional depth of some of the other films in The Conjuring Universe, it makes a commendable effort to balance horror with the story.

The Nun II is your average horror film filled with jump scares. However, it prepares viewers for the upcoming Halloween season. Go see The Nun II while it's still in theaters.