Valak (Bonnie Aarons) returns to the horror film scene. But either because there is nothing new to contribute to the character or because of the weakness of her script, The Nun II, available on Max, is more tedious than terrifying. Despite her efforts, she fails to develop her titular character, beyond surprise appearances with which she seeks only shock.
Again and again, the question the film raises is what is the origin of evil. But, the plot avoids answering its big question in favor of a predictable plot that is resolved in a disorderly manner.
It is not the first time it has happened in the saga The Warren Files. This It was born in 2013 by James Wan and most of the time, it is irregular. Of course, the part of the story involving the demonologists played by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson is the most interesting. However, the rest falter. In particular, what is related to the terrifying demon in ecclesiastical clothing, which appeared for the first time in Warren File: The Enfield Affair.
The Nun II
The Nun II by Michael Chaves does the worst thing a horror film can do: bore. Full of platitudes and closer to religious melodrama than creepy, the plot fails to explore its central figure effectively. Instead, Valak ends up being an irritating presence and even a wonderful supporting role in his own film. Without a doubt, the weakest installment of the so-called Warrenverse.
Another story for the Warren universe
The initial film related to the demonic nun, released in 2018, It was a disaster in the way it presented its premise.. A combination of religious and folkloric horror, it attempted to be the origin story of a monster and spin off of the central franchise. He achieved neither one thing nor the other. Despite that, it triumphed at the box office, becoming the highest-grossing film in the saga. Which assured him a continuation in the future and perhaps more participations of the dark character in the set of feature films.
But The Nun II, has no major interest in exploring several of the best-known obsessions from the rest of the eight films in the universe. If the first one showed a battle of faith between the sister Irene (Taissa Farmiga) and the diabolical Valak, the second returns to the same scenario. Five years after the events narrated, the nun has become a symbol of the power of spiritual purity. Well planned, the script could link the film with the questions that the rest of the films ask. In particular, the origin of the supernatural and the motives of different entities to attack defenseless victims.
Nothing new to offer in ‘The Nun II’
Except that the director, Michael Chaves, uses the passage of time not as a way to develop his protagonist, but to strengthen his mystery. This is a nun who achieved a miracle. As far as the Catholic church is concerned, she needs another to keep the fervor around her. The argument does not explain how what happened in the previous installment is understood. The only thing is that Irene is clear proof of the attack of the diabolical beings that surround her, which is why the Vatican needs to be the expert to consult. Which is reinforced by her friendship with Debra (Storm Reid), a novice tormented by doubts about what she believes and what may be true.
In fact, the first hour of The Nun II, the film wastes time going around in circles about the same idea. What is real and what is not? What the plot does not explain is the reason why it must be demonstrated. Particularly if you immediately make it clear that the duo of main characters are traversing Europe in the midst of paranormal murder cases. But the film doesn’t seem to care too much about logic and its underlying contradictions. In reality, its interest is to capitalize on its creepy central creature and turn it into an object of perennial horror.
A demon that is incapable of scaring
The film also makes a mistake when presenting the nature of its monster and the way in which its limitations and advantages work. Valak He appears and disappears for no reason, while the director struggles to create a terrifying atmosphere around him and emphasize that his powers are enormous. That, of course, is if he doesn’t face two very young nuns in habit, when the demon retreats and becomes a liability to his own mythology.
In the hands of Michael Chaves, who directed the forgettable and mediocre The Curse of the Llorona, Valak It is a repetitive and lackluster figure. Stripped of all the mystery of it, it is just an image that appears anywhere without a logical reason. It is not established if she pursues Irene in an attempt to prevent her from discovering her secrets or if it is revenge for the nun’s victory in the previous film. The only obvious thing is that the character – who should be based on the enigma – is so expendable as to become a luxury supporting role in his own film.
A tedious and predictable horror film
Without creativity or imagination, The Nun II It bases its impact on linking good and evil under a battle of wills. On the one hand, Irene, who now has all the weapons to send her — again — to hell. At the other extreme, the entity destined to test her beliefs and lead her into temptation. But the script is so clumsy that even the cliché moments are boring, meaningless and completely nonsensical.
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The ending is left open for a third part, which will surely be filmed. However, it is unfortunate that the film depends so much on having a evil monster to display in dark hallways than a good story to support it. Your biggest problem.