The Nun 2 is infinitely better than the first film, which was bogged down with lore. This time around we get to have fun with this terrifying villain.
The Nun has both a rotten critic and audience score, so even though it is a part of the beloved The Conjuring universe, it came as a shock that a second film was being made. For those of you who feel the first movie was too bogged down with lore and came off as boring rather than scary, we can understand why there would be some reservations about seeing the sequel. In fact, we are right there with you. However, The Nun 2 is infinitely better than the first film, offering up some really fun and terrifying moments with a great villain that was underused in The Nun.
Note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. The Nun 2 would not exist without the labor of the writers and actors in both unions.
Valak is back, and she is not very happy. Sister Irene (Taissa Farmiga) is once again asked to take on the demon, and this time she has a new partner, Sister Debra (Storm Reid). Maurice (Jonas Bloquet), who is revealed to be possessed at the end of The Nun, also returns. Two storylines collide into an incredible third act that will not only have you hiding behind your hands, but also jumping out of your skin.
The biggest issue with the first Nun movie is that it just isn’t scary. It never leans into the intensity that it needs to in order to deliver the horror in a way that fans were looking for. The movie is too bogged down with lore, something The Nun 2 pushes to the side. Since the setup is already there, it just takes one brilliant scene of exposition in which the events of the first film are told, and then we move on.
It also helps that the opening sequence of The Nun 2 kicks things off with pure terror. Right from that moment, it is clear the production value is much higher this time around. There is more than one location, and lots of scares to lean into. When it comes to the story, it is much better than the previous film, which is very much appreciated. Sure, there are some issues, which we will get to in a bit, but overall this movie is a good time.
Taissa’s portrayal of Sister Irene was easily the best part of the first movie. That and the chemistry she has with Jonas’ Maurice. While there aren’t many scenes of the two of them together in The Nun 2, there are enough to keep fans happy. Storm Reid is a great addition to the cast and delivers some of the best scenes in the movie thanks to her moments with Taissa. She is the skeptical nun that a lot of people will be able to relate to, but also becomes a very important part of the story — especially in the third act.
While we didn’t have many scares at all in The Nun, The Nun 2 makes up for that. Pretty much right from the start viewers are given intense moments of suspense and multiple jump scares that are coupled with horrific images. The nun herself is found in many surrounding elements in the scenes — such as a magazine stand and a burnt wall. This is not only a unique way of including her time and time again in the movie, but a brilliant way of haunting the audience long after the scare itself has happened.
The biggest issue with The Nun 2 is a continuity issue. If you have seen the ending of The Nun, the ending of The Nun 2 doesn’t line up — unless there is going to be a The Nun 3 which, if it is anything like this one, sign us up. This error is something that will stick with many viewers, and deliver a lot of confusion. While walking out of our screening, it was a topic of discussion for many, as it just makes no sense at all given what we saw before.
Another issue with this film is the relic that they need to find to take on Valak. It really should come as no surprise that they need a ridiculous and silly relic, though, because last time they needed the literal blood of Christ.
Overall Thoughts
Do you need to watch the first movie in order to enjoy The Nun 2? No. In fact, we wouldn’t recommend doing that to yourself (yes, The Nun is that bad). The Nun 2 does a great job of brilliantly delivering enough exposition that you will know what happened in the first film, and be able to fully enjoy the second one. As a bonus, you won’t have to deal with that continuity error that will likely drive you crazy at the end of the movie.
The Nun 2 is filled with jump scares, horrific visuals, and two great storylines that even better when they collide. The actors have great chemistry — new and returning alike — which helps to take the movie to where it needs to be. Valak is scary and this time we get to have a lot of fun with her. There are insane visuals that will stick with you for a while, and possibly haunt your dreams.
It’s not perfect, but it is a blast and deserves to be seen on the big screen with a packed theater. Be sure to stay for the mid-credit scene, which will have The Conjuring fans excited.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
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About The Nun 2
In 1956 France, a priest is murdered, and it seems an evil is spreading. Sister Irene once again comes face to face with a demonic force.
Taissa Farmiga (“The Nun,” “The Gilded Age”) returns as Sister Irene, joined by Jonas Bloquet (“Tirailleurs,” “The Nun”), Storm Reid (“The Last of Us,” “The Suicide Squad”), Anna Popplewell (“Fairytale,” “The Chronicles of Narnia” trilogy) and Bonnie Aarons (reprising her role from “The Nun”), surrounded by an ensemble cast of international talent.
Michael Chaves (“The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It”) directs, from a screenplay by Ian Goldberg & Richard Naing (“Eli,” “The Autopsy of Jane Doe”) and Akela Cooper (“M3GAN,” “Malignant”),with a story by Cooper, based on characters created by James Wan & Gary Dauberman.
The Nun 2 hits theaters on September 8th.
