Experiencing true fear from a horror film is a rare feat for me. I distinctly remember the first time it happened, back in the early ’90s on Halloween night. I hosted a party with friends, and after grilling, gaming and deciding to watch a horror movie, we selected The Exorcist. I became completely engrossed in the film, oblivious to friends arriving in costumes. During the iconic crucifix scene, I abruptly got up and walked into a friend dressed as a demon, jolting me to my core.
Over time, I became desensitized to on-screen horrors, thanks in part to my involvement in the haunted attractions industry. Now, I crave immersive experiences where I’m an active participant, not just an observer. Haunted houses deliver a visceral thrill, engaging all the senses — from the foul stench of a slaughterhouse to the eerie ambiance of a ghost-filled mansion, with a constant sense of lurking danger. Movies, in comparison, fall short of providing that heart-pounding adrenaline rush.
I may have accidentally discovered a solution to my desensitization when I decided to catch a screening of The Nun II. I opted for an early afternoon show, having some time to spare between meetings. Interestingly, this time slot didn’t seem to draw many viewers, as I found myself completely alone in the theater. It was somewhat eerie, as I had never experienced what essentially amounted to a private screening. However, my sense of ease quickly vanished, even before the opening title card graced the screen.
Not a soul in sight
The Nun II continues the story after the events of the first film. Sister Irene (Taissa Farmiga) is dispatched by the church to probe a series of murders linked to the demon Valak (Bonnie Aarons). She teams up with Sister Debra (Storm Reid), a novice nun who is skeptical of miracles. As they investigate, they uncover that Maurice (Jonas Bloquet) is unknowingly under Valak’s possession. Discovering Valak’s sinister plan, Irene and Debra must locate a relic to thwart Valak’s quest for unimaginable power, all while rescuing Maurice’s makeshift family, Kate (Anna Popplewell) and her daughter, Sophie (Katelyn Rose Downey).
I didn’t really know what to expect from The Nun II. Director Michael Chaves is known in the horror community for his distinctive style, as seen in previous films like The Curse of La Llorona and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. It’s often referred to as the “modern Hollywood horror style,” characterized by frequent jump scares to provoke fear, rather than delving into psychological horror. This type of horror film doesn’t resonate with many from my generation (those over 40).
The jump scares are quite predictable. For instance, in one scene, Valak’s appearance follows a setup where a pile of magazines in a newsstand forms an image of him. The music goes silent, Irene hears a noise, the camera pans to an empty space and when it returns, Valak jumps out as expected.
This overreliance on jump scares doesn’t appeal to hardcore horror enthusiasts.
But why do jump scares work in haunted attractions, but not as effectively in movies? Well, in a movie, everything is on screen, and we anticipate what’s coming, which offers some subconscious relief, as we know we’re not physically present in the scene. In a haunted attraction, you’re right there, immersed in the environment, with no safety of a movie screen. Even though actors are instructed not to touch guests or get too close, there’s still a sense of dread. Our fight-or-flight response is on high alert because we know something’s coming, but we don’t always have the cues to predict it. That’s why jump scares can be effective in real-life scenarios, but less so in the fantasy world of movies.
The Nun II heavily relies on jump scares for most of its frights, but some elements managed to maintain a creepy atmosphere. The surround sound system played a significant role in intensifying my anxiety, with whispers and sound effects coming from speakers behind me, making me check over my shoulder to ensure no one was there. This added a layer of tension, even when the visual aspects of the movie left much to be desired.
I must admit that being alone in the theater was a bit eerie.
Overall, I would give The Nun II two out of five stars. If you have the opportunity to watch it without the safety of a crowd (e.g., in an empty theater or alone at home), it might deliver a few scares. Hardcore horror fans will likely skip this one, or perhaps show it to friends who aren’t true horror enthusiasts, just for a shared experience.
If you watched the first film, it might be interesting to see what happens to Maurice after the clear indication that he’s possessed at the end of that movie. However, for most people, The Nun II is a film you can safely skip in favor of better horror options this Halloween season.