★★★½☆
One of the contemporary horror filmmaking talents returns with a sequel to create a new franchise following the success of the first film. Genre master James Wan continues 2013’s The Conjuring with a new story that he co-developed with Carey and Chad Hayes. The team also employed the screenwriting services of David Leslie Johnson to collectively churn out a narrative that spanned 134 minutes.
Based on the franchise concept that sees renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga respectively), a longer running time may suggest detailed plot to the audience’s interest. This is however on the contrary as the film’s two plot threads didn’t interweave each other as seamlessly as desired.
With a haunting case taking place in London Borough of Enfield this time, the main plot sees an antagonising spiritual presence harassing a family – Mrs Peggy Hodgsons (Frances O’Connor) and her two daughters Janet (Madison Wolfe) and Peggy (Lauren Esposito) and two sons Billy (Benjamin Haigh) and Johnny (Patrick McAuley). Exposited on the sideline is Lorraine’s personal haunting experience with a demonic antagonist (nun) that has troubled her severely. This is observed to be jarringly edited against the Enfield Haunting to disrupt narrative flow.
It is said that the demonic nun character was only devised and pitched by Wan some three months prior the film’s scheduled release. Uncertain if this was meant to enhance the story or intended as a potential spin-off instrument, the impact on the film’s overall narrative structure was evident.
Yes, a spin-off feature tentatively titled The Nun is already planned. It appears the The Conjuring franchise is very capable of exporting its wicked-doers to their very own silver screen stardom following Annabelle (which also has a planned sequel release next year).
Technical qualities are well observed throughout, be it effective camera work (Don Burgess) or editing (Kirk M. Morri) along with the influential sound effect/mix and Joseph Bishara’s soundtrack that are essential ingredients of successful horror.
The scare strategy in The Conjuring 2 is sadly deemed less impressive than that in the first film (remember the ‘hide and clap’ game?) as techniques result in relatively more blatant boos. This does not however mean that The Conjuring 2 isn’t an effective horror film. It has only lost its ‘chill’ slightly.
With a plot twist at the final chapter, the X-factor appeal that Wan is known for doesn’t quite shock and impress as expected. This isn’t surprising given the really high standards set in Wan’s Saw and Insidious franchise where viewers are already pampered by excellent plot twists.
Portraying similarities between the demonic disturbance and school bullying, it is not difficult to convince viewers to be brave and face their fears – because it is the right thing to do.
The Conjuring 2 relates paranormal haunting experiences to real life lessons and values.
Along with some genuine thematic messages like ‘taking a leap of faith’ and ‘staying by your family and stand up against adversity as one family’, it is heartening to see how The Conjuring 2 relates paranormal haunting experiences to real life lessons and values.
cineJay 