Movie Review: The Conjuring 2 (2016)
Synopsis
The Conjuring 2, directed by James Wan and released in 2016, is the sequel to the successful 2013 horror film, The Conjuring. This instalment continues to follow the infamous paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, portrayed with depth and charisma by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga respectively. Set in 1977, the film chronicles the Warrens’ ventures to investigate the notorious Enfield Poltergeist case in London, which is said to have haunted the Hodgson family, comprised of single mother Peggy and her four children – namely, Margaret, Janet, Billy, and the young Charlie.
The film opens with a chilling prologue in Amityville, New York, showcasing the Warrens’ previous encounter with a malevolent spirit that impacts Lorraine profoundly, drawing upon her connections with the supernatural world. After this disconcerting episode, the narrative shifts to England, where the Hodgsons begin experiencing disturbing phenomena—furniture moving on its own, cryptic whispers, and the manifestation of a dark figure that terrorises the young Janet.
As the Warrens delve deeper into the haunting, they are met with scepticism from the media and the Church, but their commitment to assisting the family never wavers. As Lorraine’s visions of dangerous entities and the evil spirit known as Valak unfold, the tension escalates into a battle not just for the Hodgsons’ safety but for the very souls of the Warrens themselves. Featuring expertly crafted sequences of suspense and dread, The Conjuring 2 melds real-life events with supernatural elements, resulting in a harrowing exploration of love, fear, and resilience against malevolence.
Cast of Characters
- Patrick Wilson as Ed Warren
- Vera Farmiga as Lorraine Warren
- Madison Wolfe as Janet Hodgson
- Frances O’Connor as Peggy Hodgson
- Simon McBurney as Maurice Grosse
- Maria Doyle Kennedy as Judy Warren
- Simon Callow as the Church’s investigator
- Bill Wilkins as the spirit (voice)
Review
The Conjuring 2 expertly continues the legacy established by its predecessor, effectively balancing cinematic style with chilling substance. James Wan’s direction remains impressive, employing a blend of atmospheric tension, visceral scares, and thoughtful character development, which raises the stakes of the narrative. The film’s cinematography is striking, with the eerie locations in Enfield and the authentic period details adeptly immersing the viewer in the late 1970s milieu, successfully complementing the film’s supernatural themes.
The performances stand out, with Vera Farmiga’s portrayal of Lorraine Warren embodying both courage and vulnerability. Farmiga’s nuanced interpretation evokes the character’s emotional depth—her fears and instincts polaris vividly in the face of chapters from the Warrens’ real-life exploits. Her chemistry with Patrick Wilson, who depicts Ed Warren as equally compelling and steadfast as ever, solidifies the film’s heart. Their bond, both romantic and professional, serves as a foundation for the story and a source of emotional resonance amidst the terror.
Madison Wolfe gives a nuanced performance as Janet Hodgson, infusing her character with both innocence and defiance. The scenes that depict the familial struggles and the terrifying experiences they endure amplify moments of empathy within horror’s traditional framework. The Hodgsons’ dynamics, particularly the portrayals of Peggy and her children, enhance the film’s emotional stakes, creating a compelling backdrop against which the supernatural occurs.
Among the noteworthy elements are the expertly crafted jump scares, which Wan handles with finesse, managing to subvert expectations while simultaneously utilising them to build tension. Rather than relying solely on cheap thrills, there exists a deeper psychological horror woven seamlessly into the narrative fabric, particularly concerning the character arcs and psychic turmoil faced by Lorraine and Janet.
The design of Valak, the demon that haunts the Warrens, is both striking and terrifying. Its appearances are not merely fright tactics but encapsulate the essence of evil that threatens to engulf the characters. This sense of an unrelenting evil and fear that it sows within, is a significant theme in the film that resonates profoundly, especially in the character of Lorraine, who grapples with her visions and their implications for her family.
The Conjuring 2 also addresses themes such as faith in the face of despair, familial bonds amidst abandonment, and the fight against adversity. These underlying motifs demand contemplation beyond the film’s surface, adding layers to its narrative that elevate it above a typical horror flick. The reverberation of familial units fighting together against a common enemy provides a heart-wrenching backdrop to the dread that unfolds throughout the haunting.
Moreover, the film gloriously intertwines history and horror, invoking real-life figures such as Maurice Grosse and the genuine Enfield case while drawing upon fictional elements to create an alarming tapestry of fear. This delicate balance between authenticity and dramatic narrative serves to enrich the storytelling and imbue the film with a sense of realism that is often absent in supernatural horror.
However, as commendable as The Conjuring 2 is, it does falter occasionally in pacing, particularly during segments applicable to exposition and character backstory. While those elements contribute to the overall narrative and character depth, there are moments where they disrupt the otherwise relentless momentum of fright and tension that Wan establishes throughout.
In conclusion, The Conjuring 2 emerges as a noteworthy horror film that successfully builds upon its predecessor while standing on its own merits. The performances, particularly from Wilson and Farmiga, shine brightly against the claustrophobic backdrop of terror, grounding the supernatural elements in real human emotion. It deftly balances scares with a thoughtful interpretation of the struggles of love against evil, providing rich substance to the horrors depicted.
James Wan’s ability to blend compelling storytelling with palpable scares is truly commendable, leaving audiences simultaneously haunted and engaged. The Conjuring 2 promises not just a thrilling cinematic experience but also an exploration of themes that resonate within the psyche long after the credits roll. For its masterful direction, solid performances, and deeply unsettling atmosphere, I would rate The Conjuring 2 a commendable 8 out of 10.
