The Mullins, having lost their daughter to a tragic accident, invite six orphaned girls and a nun to live on their farm. It seems like the perfect situation for a couple of empty-nesters. They will have a home full of children whom they can care for once they had healed from the loss of their only daughter. This story would not have a fairytale ending as late one night, one of the girls stumbles upon a doll in room of the Mullins’ daughter. Terror ensues as the doll reveals the darkness and evil in the home.
Annabelle treats fans to pure horror. There is no pretentiousness in the approach and no excessive gore involved. It approaches one of the most basic human emotions: fear. Watching the film, you are fearful of what awaits the characters as they turn a corner, as the lights flicker, as there are bumps in the darkness, as things appear to move, and when there is silence. The creators of the film take advantage of so many insecurities and fears that people have about the unknown and do not overuse any tropes or simple gags to scare viewers. Each scene is darker and more foreboding than the next. Audiences are consumed with fearing not only for the safety of those on screen, but questioning whether what is on screen may be visited upon them.
The film is magical in its ability to create a story using a character that was introduced in two films as part of the Conjuring universe. It is fun in having the audience jump out of their seats in every scene and try to catch their breath before they are caught off-guard again. Annabelle will leave you breathless, terrified, and wanting more. The storytelling and imagery offered demonstrates that The Conjuring films are far from over. I, for one, am looking forward to the next installment of the series.
4 stars out of 5
Second review by Tracey Barrientos
Last year director David Sandburg brought us his film debut “Light’s Out”. Though I was not a fan of it and the last Annabelle I decided to give him a second chance with Annabelle: Creation and I’m really glad I did.
A rural couple continue to grieve over their young daughter Annabelle’s tragic accident twelve years prior. Mr. Mullin’s (Anthony Laplaglia), a toy maker and his bedridden wife attempt to bring life back into their home by taking in a group of girls from an orphanage along with their guardian. The Victorian style home has the girls thinking “home sweet home” however any sense of that phrase proves to be short lived. Janice (Tabitha Bateman) whom wares a brace due to the polio outbreak, is told to stay out of any locked rooms after being caught during curious wondering. Of course this is where that creepy bright eyed, grinning doll with pig tails comes in. Janice has unwittingly unleashed a force so terrifying that will even make the peach fuzz on your face stand up.
In my opinion the film in a whole is ten times better than its predecessor though it is a prequel rather than a sequel. Not my favorite by any means in the Ed and Lorraine Warren”films or Conjuring line of films but is good nonetheless. I thoroughly enjoyed the film in all of it’s supernatural thrilling glory. I have always been a fan of James Wan (producer) and his use of non computer generated techniques which is present throughout. Relying on jumps and scares using heart pounding imagery and sound effects the old fashioned way proves sometimes to be more effective than the CG fueled horror films. All of the acting was on point and the characters were strong and committed.
Bateman proved to be an extremely talented young lady that I see going far in acting. I recommend this film to anyone who loves supernatural horror especially those that are loosely based on actual events along with those who didn’t care for the first film. You won’t be disappointed with the second.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
