Who would have thought about evil nuns? But since we saw Valak in the Conjuring movie, chills ran down our spine. She is the most terrifying nun character in the horror movie universe ever created.
In the quiet, shadowy world of cinema, where horror tales have spun webs of fear around unsuspecting audiences, there is a character dressed in all-nun outfits. But this is not an ordinary nun; and she is Valak, the unholy terror where faith collides in a macabre dance of suspense and horror.
Since her debut in The Conjuring 2, Valak, a fearsome nun, has become a familiar symbol of horror films. Following the success of The Nun in 2018, Nun II had big shoes, first introducing Valak into the Conjuring Universe. Sadly, this sequel, directed by Michael Chaves, fails to deliver the same horror that made The Nun unforgettable.
In the first film, Sister Irene, a young woman played by Taissa Farmiga, goes to a Romanian monastery to investigate the mysterious deaths of nuns and soon discovers the presence of Valak, an evil force plaguing the monastery there, and the film shows future conflict.
What does Nun II offer?
Nun II goes on to reveal the terrifying and demonic Valak, a terrific figure with terrifying red eyes and sharp teeth that send shivers down your spine. The story takes place four years later in France when the mysterious death of a priest prompts the Vatican to recall Sister Irene’s service, although she remained anonymous after the disturbing events of the previous film.
Sister Irene finds him and takes him to a boarding school that was once an abbey. Anyway, Maurice, the groundskeeper who saved her life in the first film, is a gardener here too. Irene suspects that Maurice is possessed, and while trying to protect the students from evil forces, she discovers secrets that could help him defeat the evil Valak.
Also Read: Is The Nun Based On A True Story? Where Did the Legend Come From?
Nun II offers a promising story
One of the major themes of The Nun II is its lackluster story. Though it tries to tie up loose ends and give Valak a backstory, the story feels almost aimless and only builds up in the final act, so viewers expect most of the film’s scares.
New characters and subplots are introduced, including Sister Irene’s new companion, Sister Debra, and Maurice’s relationship with a student named Sophie. However, these changes contribute little to the overall story and reduce the uncertainty and tension they should create.
Even the scares in The Nun II are disappointing. Bonnie Aarons, who brought an aggressive attitude to Walk in the first film, is less terrifying in the sequel. The motives that harm the person remain unclear, lessening the impact of his presence.
The film relies heavily on references and links to the Conjuring Universe, which can leave newcomers feeling lost. While it does offer some recaps and reviews to help viewers catch up, it requires familiarity with the franchise to fully enjoy the film.
Perhaps the most important disappointment is the absurd progression of the story. After nearly two hours, the film ends near where it began in The Nun, but the sequel’s style is the film’s strength, creating a gothic atmosphere reminiscent of its predecessor.
