This 2016 Horror Film Might Be One of the Greatest Horror Sequels of This Century

When The Conjuring was released in 2013 and quickly became one of the most successful horror movies of modern times, it was only natural that a sequel would be produced eventually. At the time, we hadn’t foreseen that this film, which drew from the real-life case files of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, would spawn an entire cinematic universe, but at least one continuation was necessary.

In June of 2016, “The Conjuring 2” premiered on SYFY, delving once more into the case files of the Warrens – renowned paranormal investigators. This time, the focus was on one of England’s most infamous hauntings in history. The prospect alone would have been enticing enough for horror fans craving more spine-tingling moments and terrifying entities. However, instead of merely revisiting familiar ground, “The Conjuring 2” delved much deeper, crafting a narrative revolving around family, fate, and faith. This tale not only stands as one of the finest horror sequels from the 21st century but also emerges as an indispensable horror story in its own right.

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Why The Conjuring 2 is one of the best modern horror sequels

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In the following years since “The Conjuring,” Ed and Lorraine (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) find themselves at the height of their popularity. They’re delivering talks, debating skeptics on TV, and have been dispatched to investigate the haunting in Amityville – a tale that would captivate the public during the 1970s. As their status grows, Lorraine foresees a heavy price for their work. She has a chilling vision of Ed’s demise, one involving a dreadful demon nun, and advises him to retreat from fieldwork and concentrate more on lecturing instead.

However, Ed and Lorraine aren’t ready to retire from their paranormal work just now, as they are summoned to aid a struggling English family whose residence has become a breeding ground for evil. The malevolence is predominantly exhibited through the speech and actions of their daughter, Janet (Madison Wolfe). Realizing the depth of the supernatural occurrences and the desperation of the single mother, Peggy (Frances O’Connor), for assistance, Ed and Lorraine decide to make an attempt at exorcising the house, even if it places Ed in harm’s way, facing a real threat.

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In terms of technical aspects, the horror film “The Conjuring 2” is directed by James Wan, who skillfully creates an exhilarating and entertaining thrill ride. Wan excels at building tension before delivering shocking jump scares in unforeseen manners, as seen when Lorraine finds herself alone with a potentially haunted depiction of The Nun (a character later given her own movie). To add complexity, Wan intentionally incorporates elements reminiscent of 1970s and early 1980s horror films, including visual nods to movies like “Poltergeist” and “The Exorcist.” Overall, it’s a horrifying spectacle, but the true essence of “The Conjuring 2” lies elsewhere.

The central element of the film, and indeed the entire franchise when they’re not featured in spinoffs, lies in the captivating dynamic between Wilson and Farmiga. Their roles as graveyard-serious paranormal investigators who are also a couple, destined by fate and love, struggling to create their own family amidst dangerous, frequently unexplored work, form the heart of the story. Disregarding the departures from the real Warrens and their contentious role in similar cases, these characters, portrayed by these specific actors, present a complex, profound, and sincere image. A clever tactic to engage audiences in a haunting movie is to depict something that even the in-story experts fear, and in The Conjuring 2, not only does this happen, but it’s rooted in the deep love between Ed and Lorraine and the significance of their work to their relationship. The film places them in an emotional dilemma where the only escape is through it. The concurrent narrative of the Hodgson family and their haunted house further strengthens these emotional ties, making it challenging not to feel connected to this movie.

In a different wording: The Conjuring 2, while it may not achieve the same level of widespread recognition and adoration as its original, serves admirably as a sequel by introducing nuances and richness to a tale that horror enthusiasts were already invested in. Moreover, it cemented the status of Wilson and Farmiga as enduring horror icons and offered another dose of heart-stopping frights. What else could one ask for?

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2025-03-28 23:01