The Conjuring 2

Horror and Suspense movies always intrigued me, especially the ones based on true events or are historically based. The fact that it happened to someone actually made me more invested in the story and prompted me to think of the ways that I would deal with that situation should it arise. After watching The Conjuring 2, I hope that day never happens.

Conjuring 2 finds us catching up with Ed and Lorraine Warren as they travel to Enfield, England to help a family suffering from a paranormal encounter. After gaining a measure of fame for their experience, the Hodgson family is sought out by the Catholic Church and the Warrens in order to determine if the incidents are real or fabricated. They discover that this case pushes them to the limits of their faith and results in them becoming the targets of this demonic possession.

The film itself is a stronger story, filled with more suspense and depth than the first film and goes far beyond Annabelle, which, at times had me not connect at all with the family and I found myself cheering for the doll. The chemistry between Patrick Wilson (The Conjuring, Insidious series) and Vera Farmiga (The Departed, The Conjuring) and Frances O’Connor drive the story and ensure that audiences become invested within the storyline and circumstances and not just for the “frights.”

Sequels can often be plagued with problems, tropes, and going overboard with certain themes and ideas in order to retain its core audience. This is not the case with The Conjuring 2. The story and approach are fresh. Aspects of the film are not predictable. There are no massive holes within the plot. Time was invested within the writing and filming to ensure a solid story, suspense, and impact on viewers beyond their exit from the theater. The Conjuring series looks as though it is just getting started. Personally, I look forward to the remaining stories of the Warren family even if it means sleeping with the lights on after viewing.

 

4.5/5

 

Second Review by Tracey Barrientos

 

Ed and Lorraine Warren founded the New England Society for Psychic Research and have covered over 10,000 cases. In 1977, the Warren’s were called to investigate a case in a small town of Enfield, England. The case is now known as the most documented haunting in paranormal history. The Conjuring 2 is based on this case.
Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga) are called to travel to Enfield, London in hopes to help a tormented family. After the youngest daughter shows signs of a demonic possession the Warrens decide to help with caution. As they try and help the family, the tables end up turning and the Warren’s become the ones who are being attacked.
I have always been a huge fan of horror films. Not slasher or blood and gore films but supernatural films. The films that make every single hair on the back of your neck stand up. Normally I turn to indies or non big box films for this. However, I must say this film and it’s predecessor gave me that feeling. It’s the kind of scary that you feel in your toes, like when you slip and catch yourself. The film provides plenty of scares throughout its entirety. There wasn’t a dull moment during the screening of the film and I couldn’t help but jump and almost spill my popcorn a couple of times.
In my opinion, the film was very well made. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga’s portrayal of the Warren’s and the rest of the cast made the film seem even more realistic. Some scenes were reminiscent of the Babadook film which up until this point was one of the latest and greatest horror films I had seen of this past year. I would definitely recommend this film to anyone looking for a good scare. Perfect for a date night 😉
5 out 5