Review: The Conjuring 2 (2016)

A Terrifying Sequel That Deepens the Paranormal Horror

Directed by James Wan, The Conjuring 2 continues the terrifying journey of real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, as they face one of their most chilling cases yet. Following the massive success of The Conjuring (2013), Wan delivers another dose of spine-tingling horror, blending a compelling narrative with unnerving scares. Featuring standout performances from Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, the film offers a haunting exploration of faith, fear, and the unknown, set against the backdrop of the infamous Enfield poltergeist case.

Plot Overview

The film is set in 1977, where Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga) are called upon to investigate the Enfield haunting in North London. The Hodgson family, led by single mother Peggy (Frances O’Connor), has been terrorized by a series of supernatural events centered around their young daughter, Janet (Madison Wolfe). As the Warrens dive deeper into the case, they find themselves facing a malevolent entity that seems intent on causing death and destruction.

Meanwhile, Lorraine is tormented by a vision of a demonic figure connected to the haunting, which begins to haunt her own psyche, testing her faith and the strength of her relationship with Ed. As the events escalate, the Warrens must confront the evil forces in the house while battling their own personal fears.

The Good: A Thrilling and Emotionally Invested Horror Experience

1. Strong Performances:
The chemistry between Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson is the heart of the film. Their portrayal of Ed and Lorraine Warren brings emotional depth to the otherwise terrifying plot. Farmiga, in particular, delivers an outstanding performance as Lorraine, conveying vulnerability, strength, and fear with precision. Wilson’s calm and steadfast presence as Ed provides an anchor, allowing the audience to connect with the characters amidst the chaos.

2. James Wan’s Direction:
James Wan’s mastery of suspense and pacing shines through in The Conjuring 2. Wan crafts each scare with precision, using both tension and surprise to build up to terrifying moments. He excels at playing with shadows and sound, creating a foreboding atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge. The film’s slow-burn approach to horror—where tension is allowed to build gradually—makes the scares that much more impactful.

3. Atmosphere and Cinematography:
The dark, gloomy setting of the Enfield house is designed to evoke a sense of dread from the very first frame. The film’s cinematography, by Don Burgess, adds to the eerie atmosphere, with shots that emphasize isolation and claustrophobia, as well as clever uses of lighting and shadows to highlight the supernatural presence. The bleak and cold environment of London in the ’70s further immerses the audience into the haunting, and the film’s rich visual detail enhances the horror experience.

4. The Supernatural Elements and Scares:
The Conjuring 2 brings a new level of intensity and creativity to its supernatural elements. The haunting manifestations are disturbingly original, with unsettling imagery that lingers long after the scene ends. The terrifying apparition of the crooked man—a tall, twisted figure—is one of the most memorable entities in the Conjuring universe, providing a new layer of terror that feels both fresh and familiar. The film also introduces the demon Valak, a terrifying nun figure that continues to haunt fans of the franchise in subsequent spin-offs.

5. Themes of Faith and Family:
Beyond the horror, the film touches on themes of faith, family, and the battle between good and evil. The Warrens’ devotion to each other and their belief in God provide a grounding force amidst the supernatural chaos. Lorraine’s internal struggle with her visions and her fears of losing Ed adds emotional complexity to the film, elevating it from a typical ghost story to a deeper exploration of the human spirit and resilience.

The Weaknesses: Some Familiar Tropes and Predictability

1. Predictable Plot Elements:
While The Conjuring 2 is certainly effective in creating tension, some of its plot beats and horror tropes feel predictable. The film relies on several well-worn supernatural horror conventions—objects moving on their own, levitating furniture, ghostly apparitions—that might feel too familiar for hardcore horror fans. The basic structure of the Warrens being called in to solve a haunting, followed by their deepening involvement, may not offer much in terms of new narrative ground.

2. Overuse of Jump Scares:
While jump scares are used effectively in certain scenes, they can sometimes detract from the overall atmosphere. The film occasionally resorts to this technique a bit too often, interrupting the slower, more suspenseful build-ups with loud noises and sudden visual shocks. Though effective, they sometimes undermine the more atmospheric moments that made the first Conjuring so impactful.

3. Some Underdeveloped Characters:
Though the film focuses primarily on the Warrens and the Hodgson family, some secondary characters feel underdeveloped. Peggy Hodgson, the mother, plays a significant role in the narrative but is often relegated to a secondary position behind the Warrens. More attention to her emotional journey could have added another layer to the film, making the stakes feel more personal.

Themes and Emotional Depth

The Conjuring 2 delves into the personal struggles of its central characters, especially Lorraine Warren. Lorraine’s visions and her internal conflict about her ability to protect her family add emotional depth to the film, making it more than just a typical ghost story. The relationship between Ed and Lorraine is a key emotional anchor, and their bond is tested as the haunting intensifies. The themes of faith, protection, and the supernatural conflict between good and evil are explored in a way that brings the horror story closer to the heart.

Standout Moments

• The Nun Apparition:
  One of the film’s most iconic and chilling moments is the first appearance of the demon Valak in the form of a nun. This terrifying figure haunts Lorraine throughout the film, adding a layer of psychological horror that makes the supernatural events all the more unsettling.
• The Crooked Man:
  The sequence involving the Crooked Man is a standout in both its creativity and its sheer horror. The disturbing figure, brought to life through a combination of practical effects and CGI, is one of the film’s most memorable and terrifying creations.
• The Final Exorcism:
  The climactic exorcism scene is a triumph of tension and emotional payoff, providing a satisfying resolution to the film’s central conflict. The combination of Lorraine’s psychic battle with the demon and Ed’s physical fight for the family’s safety makes for an electrifying conclusion.

Final Thoughts

The Conjuring 2 is a worthy sequel to the original film, expanding the universe with new supernatural entities and deeper character exploration. While it leans on some familiar tropes, its strong performances, masterful direction by James Wan, and emotionally resonant themes elevate it above typical horror fare. The film successfully balances genuine scares with character-driven storytelling, solidifying its place as one of the best entries in the modern horror genre.

Rating: 8.5/10

A terrifying and emotionally engaging experience, The Conjuring 2 builds on the success of its predecessor, delivering a rollercoaster of frights and heart that will resonate with both horror fans and casual moviegoers.