I wanted to start this by expressing my disbelief that we are in a world where there is an entire “Conjuring” universe, but why am I surprised? These movies always break the bank, what with The Nun pulling in a cool $365M against at $22M budget how could I be surprised we are lined up for a second. Honestly…the real reason I shouldn’t be surprised at the success of these films is that they are always well done and simple. Something I have to be mindful not to hold against them, simple does not equal bad.
If you think that plot sounds a bit simple, well…it is. I’m still wrestling whether that’s a bad thing or not. Judging the film on it’s own merits provides a positive response. Taissa Farmiga is uniquely suited for the role, possessing such an innocent and unassuming visage but able to emote such inner power as to make the fight believable. Michael Chavis (The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It) directs the hell out of the film and continues to show the talent for creating a terrifying visual that keeps him gainfully employed within this cinematic universe (this is movie #3 for him if my count is correct). Of course, Chavis is helped by the time period and location….there aren’t many times and places creepier than parts of post-war Europe, but even with the natural assist he makes full use of everything available to him.
Unfortunately the atmosphere and jump scares are where the fun starts and ends. I watched the credits roll and couldn’t help but wondering what could have been had they built more into the lore of this particular story as opposed to assembly line scares. I’m sure they are saving that story for the inevitable prequel film but to not dig into the world makes for a forgettable film at the end of the day. The shot of adrenaline makes for a fun time at the theater but one that people won’t hold onto for long. It’s the reason people still talk about Freddy and Jason but modern movie monsters seem so disposable. The Nun II is a perfect disposable but fun Friday night date film, a good way to blow 90 minutes for a horror fan, but lacks the lasting impact it feels like it could have if done with more passion for the story.