In 1956 France, a priest is violently murdered, and Sister Irene begins to investigate. She once again comes face-to-face with a powerful evil.
Director: Michael Chaves
Cast: Taissa Farmiga, Jonas Bloquet, Bonnie Aarons, Storm Reid, Anna Popplewell
Release Date: September 8, 2023
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Rated R for violent content and some terror.
Runtime: 1h 50m
The first Nun was a rather flat collection of religious horror clichés that didn't really justify The Conjuring spinoff. The sequel still leans heavily on been there, done that horror set ups and scares but its story is more engaging and focused with a final act that takes you through a gonzo cornucopia funhouse that's undeniably fun. Michael Chaves's third film in the overall universe is the most visually appealing of the bunch. He uses long hallways and streets to solid effect even though there are too many rinse and repeat moments where character's wander around some dimly light environment before the monster inevitably reveals itself in a jump scare. Still, there's a level of care in the set ups that makes for a visually appealing film that gives it a distinctive look exemplified by an impressive set up at a magazine rack midway through the film. Taissa Farmiga and Jonas Bloquet return from the original film with both being given converging story threads. Farmiga doesn't look as young as she did in the original which helps for the role but she still struggles to find the right level of authenticity to make her role more engaging than it is. Pairing her with the talented Storm Reid should work better than it does but she's saddled with very little to do with the most generic motivation and background. Jonas Bloquet is given more screen time this go around which works since he's has a likable screen presence even though his subplot is rather blasé. Regardless of the script's shortcoming The Nun II is surprisingly watchable thrill ride for the better part of its runtime even though there's nary a bit of tension built up since you know where the film is going.
B-
