Review: 'The Conjuring 2' Breaks the Sequel Curse

Laura Cafasso ‘18 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer

Two things that get the audience spooked every time: possessed little girls and slithering old men-ghosts. That’s what to expect lurking in conveniently darkened corners in The Conjuring 2. The Warrens (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) have just wrapped up cleansing the Amityville House and are ready for a well-deserved break. Lorraine is hiding something though; being clairvoyant, she senses a dark presence trailing her family’s every move.
But the break doesn’t last long. A distressed and desperate English family are the Warren’s next, and perhaps most horrific, case yet. Peggy Hodgson (Frances O’Connor) resides in a dilapidated Enfield house and can barely keep her four children afloat since she’s a poor, divorced mother. After Janet (Madison Wolfe), her youngest daughter, seemingly strikes out playing a makeshift ouija board, a malicious “houseguest” arrives. This creature is uninvited, unwelcomed, but out for the Hodgson family’s sanity and livelihoods.

James Wan, director, (Annabelle, the Insidious films, The Conjuring) is one sick mastermind. He lulls the audience into a false sense of mediocrity, 1970s England with archival footage, Elvis records, and turtleneck sweaters. You start to relax in your seat, thinking that the Hodgson family is average and imperfect. But the graying cinematography adds a tense, creepy feel to each scene. The score is subtle, but just enough ferocity to make you startled and constantly on edge. He somehow turns a toy firetruck, a leather chair, and a revolving music box into absolutely terrifying weapons. Fingernails will be bitten, hands will be held, and intentions will be questioned (why did you take me to this?!).
The plot never drags, which means there is no chance for fluff (fortunately) but also barely any character development (unfortunately). If you saw The Conjuring you’re in luck; but if you haven’t seen the first film, you will be a little lost. The Warren team is strong and loving, which gives a nice glimpse of vulnerability in this horror genre. Vera Farmiga truly shines as Lorraine and this role definitely cements her title as “Scream Queen.” Farmiga and Wilson have a natural chemistry that adds body to this series and a pleasant note of love and faith. Ed Warren mentions that “God is on their side” which inserts a nonobstructive religious wavelength, surprisingly.

The movie would benefit from a fall release; nevertheless, it’s an exhilaratingly scary sequel that will leave you peeking over your shoulder and trying to ward off nightmares for a couple nights. It leaves you actually anticipating a third installment, not dreading it.
Overall Rating: B
Watch The Trailer:
[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyA9AtUOqRM[/embedyt]