Genres: Horror | Thriller | Mystery

Entering The Conjuring universe is always like stepping into a dark, twisted fairytale.

“The Conjuring Universe” is deeply rooted in the fears that humans and the supernatural alike can conjure, and Atomic Monster Film Company never misses a meal when it comes to devouring audience fears. “The Nun II,” directed by Michael Chaves, is a fearsome sequel to 2018’s The Nun. It invites audiences back into a world ruled by the malevolent demon Valak.

Storyline: Five years after the ending of the first movie, Sister Irene is sent to investigate a murder at a boarding school in France. While investigating, she is once again forced to face the demonic force, Valak.

The film received mixed reviews from critics, with The Hollywood Reporter saying, “The filmmaker does a fine job creating a suitably ominous atmosphere.” RogerEbert.com, on the other hand, wrote, “There’s an overall lack of thoughtfulness in The Nun II regarding scares.” The movie scored 50% on Rotten Tomatoes, with an audience rating of 74%.

Taissa Farmiga reprises her role as Sister Irene with the depth that was only teased in the original. Farmiga is the glue that binds the audience to this other world; her devotion and hunt for the truth amid the terror lay the foundation for a good watch.

Joining her in this world of fear are Jonas Bloquet and Bonnie Aarons, both of whom return to give performances that are appropriately eerie and familiar. Newcomers Storm Reid and Anna Popplewell provide some new perspectives, with each offering a unique take on characters thrown into Valak’s world.

The scenic backdrop of Tarascon, France, provides an atmospheric setting, blending European landscapes with lurking dread. The Hollywood Reporter positive review noted the film’s atmosphere, praising the European locations and cinematography and recognizing the efforts put in by director Michael Chaves for the movie’s chilling ambience.

Fresh off his directorial stint off “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It,” Michael Chaves uses his expertise in crafting suspense, ensuring that the atmospheric dread is almost palpable. The Gothic tones and set pieces are reminiscent of classical horror, which feels right at home within the expanding Conjuring Universe.

The story, for the most part, manages to maintain interest. The historical interweaving with St. Lucy’s lineage and Valak’s nefarious intentions provides an intriguing storyline. However, there are moments when the plot feels slightly convoluted, with the twist concerning St. Lucy’s descendant adding an element that may not sit well with some audiences.

But where “The Nun II” truly shines is in its visual and auditory horror elements. The film’s use of shadows, the eerie chanting, and even the malevolence behind a simple mosaic goat—these elements, put together, create moments of genuine fright. The climax, complete with its spiritual showdown, is both visually satisfying, ending on a note that both concludes and invites further exploration.

It’s clear that Michael Chaves learned from the shortcomings of the first Nun and in doing so, brought some elements from “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It.” While not a perfect horror film, The Nun II is certainly an improvement, diving deeper into the lore, providing better character depth, and focusing more on atmospheric horror than cheap scares.

In The Conjuring Universe, The Nun II feels like a fresher, darker world. While some may argue that the franchise is starting to show its age, this installment suggests there’s still some terrifying life left in it. If the producers continue to refine the Conjuring Universe as they have done here, the future looks spookily promising for fans.

Given its strong box office numbers, The Nun II proved that there is still an audience for The Conjuring Universe. Its opening weekend performance, coupled with holding on to the top spot in its second weekend, shows its strong pulling of moviegoers seeking their horror fix.

Despite The Nun II mixed reviews, there are enough horror fans eagerly waiting for the next chill, the next scream, and the next confrontation with the supernatural to keep The Conjuring Universe alive.