Horror Movie Review: The Nun II (2023)

The paranormal universe that is The Conjuring movies continues with the sequel to the spin-off based around the scary looking demon nun from The Conjuring 2. It’s The Nun II, the sequel to the 2018 movie, The Nun, and the eighth instalment in The Conjuring universe.

You can read our definitive ranking of The Conjuring universe to date, here.

Missing a trick by not calling it something fun like The Nun II: Getting Nunier, The Nun II: Nun on the Run, or The Nun II: Conjur-nun-ing, The Nun II comes from director Michael Chaves, with a screenplay written by Ian Goldberg, Richard Naing, and Akela Cooper from a story by Cooper.

It stars Taissa Farmiga, Jonas Bloquet, and Bonnie Aarons, Storm Reid and Anna Popplewell.

The Nun II begins by asking you to do the impossible – remember what happened in the original film. As we see a priest in France attacked by the demonic entity, being immolated in his own church. It’s a mighty fine effect, but it sure does feel random, although by the end that is par for the course.

So, you might be wondering how the demon has returned but that’s because you’ve not done your Nun-work. You see, if you remember the original (which no-one does), the demon Valak wasn’t actually banished and ended up in the body of Maurice. He and Sister Irene said their goodbyes, and she is now at a convent in Italy unaware that he has a stowaway. A stowaway that likes to pop out, leaving Maurice in a catatonic state, and kill some random people.

In fact, going off the first quarter of this movie, The Nun II acts like it is going to be a much more violent and ‘in your face’ movie. Spoilers – it’s not.

So, Sister Irene is living her best Catholic life in Italy having made a new friend in the form of Sister Debra. However, she’s one of those people who have convenient visions, and she gets one of Maurice asking to be saved. This also coincides with her being brought before the Cardinal and asked to investigate a spate of religious killings across Europe that they believe is the demon, Valak.

Her previous experience makes her the best choice, but she’s not going alone, as Sister Debra has decided to come along in the hope that she can find her faith, as she struggles to believe in miracles. Really though, she’s in this movie so she can ask the questions that will help remind viewers of the original movie and move this plot forward. It’s no joke when we say that at least half her dialogue, if not more, comes in the form of a question.

Their journey, and Irene’s visions, will lead them to France, in particular, an all-girl boarding school where Maurice is currently working as a handyman.

Will Irene be able to stop Valek once and for all?

The Nun II isn’t a terrible film by any stretch, let’s get that clear right now. It knows it has to up the ante and does so in several excitingly excessive ways. These moments, the gothic visuals and effects, the violent outbursts, and the nun-based action, are when this film is a lot of fun. In fact, at times, it ventures into ridiculousness and it’s better for it.

The problem is that these moments are few and far between and instead, it slips into familiar attempts to be creepy. Jump scares galore, a total lack of tension, uninspired frights, and more. It’s the same stuff the original did, it’s the same stuff the rest of The Conjuring universe has done, and it’s same stuff every paranormal horror does.

However, what makes all of this stuff worse is that it begins in garish fashion. A priest on fire, a delivery person having their neck ripped out, a full look at Valek. It then expects the viewer to be able to shut that out and buy into Valek creeping about and not harming anyone. It’s backwards thinking, and something that is ripped straight from the Paranormal Activity playbook.

Perhaps though, the most disappointing thing abut The Nun II is the lack of progression with the main characters, Irene and Maurice. The former seems wholly unaffected by the events of the first film, other than being less fearful. To try and give her something to do, aside from visions, the story briefly touches on her mother and the fact that her visions are hereditary. That’s it for her, and it’s a shame because Taissa Farmiga is a damn fine actor.

Jonas Bloquet isn’t quite as good, but that’s mainly because The Nun isn’t brave enough to really explore his possession. How aware is he? Does he remember what happens when Valek pops out? What does it feel like? What if he enjoys the partnership?

These are all interesting things that could have been explored, but it doesn’t. This film is as shallow as most would expect, and if were honest, most would want it to be.

The end result is a mish-mash of random scenes, scare attempts, and visions to move the plot forward. Perfectly entertaining, for the most part, but once again, wholly forgettable.