Movie Review - The Nun 2
I know this is primarily a book review place. But it’s my site, and if I want to review random Things that I’ve enjoyed, then I will!
Confession time (sorry): I love James Wan’s work generally, but I’ve never been a fan of the Conjuring and Insidious movies. They’re fine enough, but I get the two mixed up because their mood is so similar, plus I like the Farmiga sisters and Patrick Wilson while really not a fan of the Warrens… just my opinion.
However, I decided to watch the original Nun a while ago, just to see what it was like. IMHO it was good - as a comedy. I know that wasn’t the intention, but it is SO daft. It made me laugh though, so that was fine; I didn’t waste my time.
Therefore I actually volunteered to see The Nun 2 for a horror movie podcast show that I’m online friends with, The SuperhorrorBros. They had no interest in seeing it, so I said I would.
The main thing to know: The Nun 2 is better than its predecessor, as a movie. With some caveats.
Here are my main takeaways, then.
The Good:
This film is GORGEOUS. It’s absolutely beautiful, all credit to the cinematographer and whoever found the location. Gothic castles and churches, stunning scenery and use of sunlight - an absolutely pleasure for the eyes. Even when there’s a lot of darkness (because Spooky).
Taissa Farmiga. She isn’t called upon to do much, mainly standing still and gazing into the distance in shock, but she’s doing her best. As is her Sassy Black Best Friend (unimpressed look at the writer).
Likewise, Bonnie Aarons. Criminally underused, given that she is literally the title character, but she’s having a fabulous time. Applause for a fun villain.
Frenchie/Crazy Old Maurice is still hilarious and adorable, and his character progression can be seen by how he wears the Worst-Fitting Waistcoat in France. Also he appears not to know how to shave despite post-war male tidiness, but his facial hair hasn’t got the memo, so that’s ok. And he’s still not French, in the slightest.
The tropes seemed consistent, at least. Mothers and daughters, the meaning of faith, light and dark, the traditions of the Church having to be flexible. Interesting enough.
Oh, and eyes. Lots about eyes. I liked how the (Good) Nun and the (Bad) Nun were shot similarly to show bright vs black eye-pits at various stages. Moody and effective. Symbolism!
The Magazine scene. Clever and by copying a scene from the original movie but then changing it, a jump that actually got me. Very happy with that, doesn’t happen often. I underestimated you there, movie.
The Bad:
Whoever did the audio should be imprisoned in a stone room for a few days with only the sound of footsteps on constant repeat. The sound design is truly abysmal. All shoes are ridiculously loud (once I noticed it, I couldn’t not), except when silence is required. Then I realized that this is true of everything. Birds, insects - everything is NOISY… except when the script tells it not to be.
Which is true of everything. Inconsistency abounds. The (Bad) Nun forgets her own rules sometimes. Does she have telekinesis or not? Does she have a female body with a male-voiced demonic spirit, or is she possessing someone (often at the same time)?
Poor Anna Popplewell. Once again, upstaged by a sister called Lucy.
Years ago, I heard someone describe the moment when you hear the scriptwriter rev up their Ford Exposition, and boy is that thing on full speed here. The (Good) Nun goes to the Watchers’ Council at one point for a huge exposition dump. Everything is suddenly explained. Does it make sense? Not really, but the plot has suddenly realized it’s spent too long on setup and we need to get to the conclusion now, please. Plus not-Giles was good.
The accents. Good grief. Where are these people supposed to be from?! Because while French, most sound English or Irish. Except the Americans, of course.
The script. To quote a better film, Nobody talks like that.
The mid-credits scene. Because of course there is. It made no sense, except to remind us that this is part of a series.
Overall, the film trips along well enough. I enjoyed the gothic setup, full of slow creeps and telegraphed jump-scares (complete with audio stings). This goes on too long really, but then comes the exposition and final ‘fight’, which was the most fun of all. More speed-walking - and occasionally running - along the same narrow hallways than an episode of Dr Who. A nod to Batman (possibly not deliberate). The (Good) Nun forgets one of the first rules of horror, but it’s 1956 so she can be excused for not knowing yet.
And the (Bad) Nun is defeated in a manner worthy of a Hammer movie. I nearly laughed out loud, because it’s Chekov’s gun. Not literally, but pay attention early in the film and then as you realize what’s about to happen, try not to chuckle at the audacity and daftness. Let’s just say it’s a sticky end.
Better, still cheesy fun. Just turn your brain off and enjoy. Possibly with a nice glass of wine.