Initial Reaction to The Nun 2

Spoiler Free

Today is September 10, and I just watched The Nun 2 (2023) which released this past Friday. Granted it is Sunday and during the day (1pm), but there were might have been 20 cars in the parking lot and about a dozen people in my theater. So, what did I think about the move?

My initial reaction is 2/5. I am not a self-described fan of horror, but I understand how movies are supposed to work, thanks MauLer and EFAP. Make no mistake is not a bad movie, but it was not scary and only verged on suspenseful. Also, you do not need to see the first Nun to understand the sequel. The had a lot of call backs, but they were spelled out as you were led by the hand through the basic plot of the first movie.  The visuals were great; it looked good, as was the audio. The acting was okay. The characters were believable all for one which I will mention in the spoiler section. Everyone’s motives seemed to make sense and all of the scenes melded together into a coherent story. So why a 2.5/5? The ending is telegraphed. Maybe I am being a bit harsh, but to me it is just eh.

Again, this is just my initial reaction. I am going to see it again Friday so maybe I’ll have a different opinion. However, if you want to watch a better movie, go see The Pope’s Exorcist (2023) or Talk To Me (2023)

***SPOILER WARNING***

The ending did not land well. It is literally, The Nun (2018) round 2, and I have yet to see The Nun. I know this is the case because the movie told me. Speaking of which, I am a fan of show don’t tell and I think they could have done a better job. It is not a shot for shot redo, but the idea is the same with a minor payoff which might have been a writer’s jab at Christianity saying essentially our faith is only real because we believe it is.

The one character that did not seem to fit is Debra played by Storm Reid. And, Before you pull out all the -ists and phobes, I think it was the writing. Her character is too cool for school, don’t really care, kind of a stoic. She portrays no emotion and is so calm under pressure she might as well be Captain Marvel. That being said when she does show emotion, I can tell she is acting, like she was not given enough direction. Over all, her character is not really needed. It feels like the original intent was for her to be a foil or side kick for Irene played by Taissa Farmiga’s character to bounce off of, and there appears to be some chemistry between them. But there is no growth of their friendship, Debra does not grow as a character, in fact she should probably be traumatized, so I am getting some DEI vibes.

As it stands though, it looks like lazy writing.