The Nun II (Mini-Review)

The Nun II is the sequel to The Nun as well as a spin-off movie set in The Conjuring Universe. Maurice Theriault is trying to live a normal life after the events of Saint Cartha's monastery. Unknown to him, though, is an extra passenger in his body. Valak managed to escape in his body and still has need of him for some reason. The only hope that humanity has is that Sister Irene Palmer can figure out what is happening in time. The Nun II was released in 2023. It was directed by Michael Chaves. It stars Taissa Farmiga, Jonas Bloquet, and Storm Reid.

There are no mid or post credits scenes. However, during some of the credits things are shown to add a creepy atmosphere.

I think the wrong approach was taken to this movie. Sister Irene Palmer and Debra are always seeking questions the audience knows the answers to. Such as taking forever to figure out that Maurice Theriault has been possessed by Valak. Something those that have seen the first movie are well aware of. Audience members are also aware of the place the demon is interested in as Maurice, its host, is working there. If the movie focused on Irene and Debra tracking Maurice down, things could have been intense. As is it's a boring slog waiting for all four characters to finally meet.

The final sequence of the movie is built up. Characters are reminded that Valak can take the form of whatever it wants. An ability it has used throughout the movie to torment characters. Yet the ability is not fully utilized. We should be scared of who is and isn't real. About possibly being manipulated by the demon to do something unforgivable. Yet...the final sequence is average. I thought that with all the build up about Valak taking on different forms that something truly frightening would take place.

Sister Irene Palmer ending up not saying who she really is made since. After the first movie I can understand wanting to try and go back to normal. She has seen what battling true evil is like and doesn't want anything more to do with it. Yet she's still brave enough to take it on again when the time comes. If the movie focused more on her and her journey it could've been better.

There was no point to Debra being in the movie. I loved the character, but not much would be lost if she was removed. In the beginning it seemed like she could be going on a journey of faith but nothing much was done with her. She was just another character that was never fully utilized in the movie.

I would recommend The Nun II to fans of the first movie. I would also recommend The Nun II to fans of The Conjuring. Finally, I would recommend The Nun II to those that want a fun horror movie.