The Nun (2018)
2018
80 Minutes
When a young nun at a cloistered abbey in Romania takes her own life, a priest with a haunted past and a novitiate on the threshold of her final vows are sent by the Vatican to investigate. Togethe...
User Review
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The Nun may have atmosphere but religiously relies on jump scares. The latest spinoff in the most unlikely of cinematic universes, that being the "Conjuring-verse", is an origin story for the demonic entity known as Valak. Whom of which we all saw terrorise the Warrens in 'The Conjuring 2'. The difference? That sequel was substantially more terrifying. This prequel follows a Vatican priest and a catholic novitiate as they investigate a Romanian abbey that is said to be unholy. In an attempt to differentiate this chapter from the rest, director Hardy and cinematographer Alexandre produce a gothic atmosphere to enhance the religious thematic narrative that powers through the film. From an evangelical monastery hosting various catholic and satanic symbols to a gloomy mountainous woodland area where tenebrous figures roam in the darkness. With the assistance of committed performances from Farmiga and Bichir, Hardy invites you into a world of immorality. However unfortunately the illogical plot, one-dimensional characters, limited imagination and obvious jump scares become a detriment to what could've been another decent entry in this franchise. Aside from a forced association with other instalments, this chapter feels "holy" unnecessary and ultimately generic with its excessive use of exorcisms, rapid Latin expulsion and mediocre visual effects. The incontrovertible camera panning forced jump scares to be predicted rather than unexpected, thus negating any sense of dread. Conversely, there are several heart palpating scenes of fear due to inventive sound editing, especially necks clicking as heads turn. The innumerable plot conveniences, particularly the bell when a character is buried alive, subtracted any menace that the antagonising demon should've upheld. It felt like it was tormenting them as opposed to eliminating the threat. What did not help was Dauberman's sinful screenplay which utilised forced humour and cheesiness to alleviate the dark tone. The character of "Frenchie" just did not work. These detriments evidently express my disappointment to what is a watchable, if forgettable, horror.0 member like this review.
