"The Nun 2" is the latest instalment in the renowned Conjuring universe. This franchise has consistently delivered shocks and suspense to horror addicts since 2013. As a sequel to the 2018 film "The Nun", which introduced us to the terrifying demon Valak in a nun's guise, "The Nun 2" features Sister Irene confronting Valak once more, this time in a French boarding school. But does it match its predecessor’s acclaim? Let's dive into the review.

The Story

"The Nun 2" takes place four years after Sister Irene defeated Valak in the Abbey of St. Carta, and tells a suspenseful tale. Now a fully initiated nun, Sister Irene has a vision urging her to travel to France to thwart Valak's menace at a boarding school. Once there, she reunites with Frenchie, the French-Canadian farmer and unexpected Valak host from the previous film. Alongside Sister Debra and Kate from St. Mary’s boarding school, where Valak now lurks, Irene unravels Valak's nefarious intentions concerning the school’s inhabitants, leading to a climactic showdown.

The Characters

"The Nun 2" presents a roster of well-fleshed-out, endearing characters. Taissa Farmiga reprises her role as the dauntless and devoted Sister Irene, whose ties to Valak take on a deeper significance in this film. Jonas Bloquet returns as Frenchie, interjecting moments of levity and hints of romance. Storm Reid’s portrayal of Sister Debra offers a blend of inquisitiveness and innocence, while Anna Popplewell’s Kate is a shrewd educator alert to Valak’s eerie presence. Yet, it's Bonnie Aarons as Valak/the Nun who truly captivates, presenting a formidable nemesis with a bone to pick with Irene.

The Connections

Being rooted in the Conjuring universe, "The Nun 2" teems with nods to its cinematic siblings. Easter eggs, from newspaper clippings on Father Burke’s funeral to the 1977 exorcism of Frenchie by Ed and Lorraine Warren, abound. Even horror film aficionados might spot tributes to iconic films like "The Exorcist" and "The Shining". Moreover, the narrative alludes to potential spin-offs that might delve deeper into Valak’s background and influence.

The Direction: A Step Down from its Forerunner

Under the directorship of Michael Chaves, known for his work on "The Curse of La Llorona" and "The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It", "The Nun 2" unfortunately doesn’t chart new waters. Inheriting the baton from Corin Hardy, who directed "The Nun", Chaves sticks closely to the formula set by previous films in the series. The film does not provide the same level of suspense or intrigue as other films in its genre and lacks a satisfying and logical conclusion. Moreover, Chaves doesn't manage to carve out a distinctive identity for "The Nun 2" within the Conjuring universe.

Conclusion

Viewers are fully immersed in the haunting gothic world of supernatural horror in "The Nun 2", featuring Valak. Yet, it doesn’t quite hit the mark, rehashing familiar horror tropes, resorting to predictable jump scares, and neglecting character and plot development. While die-hard Conjuring enthusiasts might relish the reunion with beloved characters and the sinister allure of Valak, for the uninitiated, "The Nun 2" may remain a lacklustre sequel, failing to match the prestige of its antecedent.