A horror sequel that - surprisingly - is as good as its predecessor

Rating: 8/10 (30 October 2019)

Following the success of "The Conjuring", there are no surprises that James Wan would throw out a sequel in his newly created MCU-esque horror universe. "The Conjuring 2" (actually nice to have a horror movie sequel without an overly long subtitle) has the Warrens (Wilson and Farmiga) go across the pond to help an allegedly possessed girl in the oh-so-rainy City of London. The warning signs are clear, this might be a repetitive, dumb sequel. But it isn't. I would probably argue that it is actually better than its predecessor. The pure haunted house kind of thrill is present in this film as well, and the gloomy, grey atmosphere of England (as usually depicted in American films) gives the film an extra spice, separating it both visually and emotionally from the first film. A step up from the first movie is also the supporting cast, the Hodgsons (with its matriarch played well by O'Connor) are utterly sympathetic and it brings an extra thing that is at stake. Let them have a merry Christmas you evil spirits. As for Wilson and Farmiga, they feel like they are warm in their clothes and have a great dynamic, also adding to the likeness of the ensemble. "The Conjuring 2" is a very good horror movie, with some very chilling, skin crawling scenes and it serves as a very worthy successor despite the still present lack of originality. I must also admit, as a hardcore horror fan, the few scenes featuring the Nun are almost unbearably intense to watch. So horror fans, enjoy another horror spectacle from Wan. Because it is at least very enjoyable, despite the absence of risk taking in terms of movie making.