In 2018, the horror genre welcomed a new chilling addition with “The Nun,” directed by Corin Hardy.
This gothic supernatural horror film is a spiritual spin-off of “The Conjuring 2” and the fifth installment in the expansive Conjuring universe. Featuring a star-studded cast that included Taissa Farmiga, Demián Bichir, and Jonas Bloquet, the film brings back Bonnie Aarons as the terrifying Demon Nun, an incarnation of Valak.
Set in Romania in 1952, the plot revolves around a Roman Catholic priest and a novice nun as they unravel an unholy secret lurking within the walls of an ancient abbey. Their investigation leads them to confront dark forces that bind them to a forgotten civilisation submerged beneath the waters of time.
Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema first announced “The Nun” shortly after the successful release of “The Conjuring 2.” With the producing talents of Peter Safran and James Wan and a screenplay initially penned by David Leslie Johnson, the film transitioned into Hardy’s capable hands, who provided a fresh screenplay along with Wan and Gary Dauberman. Principal photography commenced in May 2017 in Bucharest, Romania, where the atmospheric setting contributed to the film’s haunting aesthetic.
Narrative inconsistencies
Upon its release in the United States on September 7, 2018, “The Nun” grossed a staggering $366 million worldwide, marking it as the highest-grossing film in the Conjuring franchise, despite receiving mixed reviews. Critics praised its strong performances and spooky atmospherics, while some pointed to narrative inconsistencies and reliance on jump scares.
The casting for “The Nun” played a pivotal role in its impact. Demián Bichir was selected to play the priest unraveling the mystery of the nun’s suicide, while Taissa Farmiga was cast as the novice nun.
Though director Corin Hardy initially hesitated to cast Farmiga, due to her familial ties to Vera Farmiga, her compelling audition ultimately won him over. Bonnie Aarons reprised her role as Valak, further enriching the film’s ties to the broader Conjuring narrative.
Filming took place in iconic locations, including Castel Film Studios and the Palace of the Parliament, which lent authenticity to the film’s eerie tone. Reports of inexplicable occurrences on set added an extra layer of intrigue to an already chilling production. After 38 days of filming, including extensive reshoots, “The Nun” was officially completed and ready for audiences.
As the film approached its release, audience anticipation grew. “The Nun” brought in $53.8 million during its opening weekend, further solidifying its position as not only a significant entry in the franchise but one of the highest-grossing horror films in history for several international markets.
Critics had varied responses to the film. The review aggregator ‘Rotten Tomatoes’ indicated that only 24% of critics provided positive reviews, citing the film’s heavy reliance on jump scares and a lack of coherent narrative.
The audience’s reaction reflected a mixed bag, as demonstrated by a CinemaScore grade of “C,” the lowest rating in the Conjuring series. Prominent reviewers, including Ben Kenigsberg of The New York Times, pointed to a lack of narrative cohesion, while others acknowledged its atmospheric strengths.
The film also sparked discussions regarding its spiritual themes. Critics highlighted its theological elements, emphasising beliefs in the existence of evil and the protective power of prayer.
Spiritual warfare
Notably, reviews from religious sources echoed this sentiment, recognising the film’s portrayal of spiritual warfare against a tangible evil.
“The Nun” ultimately serves as a gateway into a nightmarish exploration of faith and fear, marking a distinct point within the Conjuring Universe. It paves the way for its sequel, “The Nun II,” released in 2023, encapsulating the ongoing allure of supernatural horror that draws audiences into the dark, mystifying depths of the unknown. As viewers continue to grapple with the spine-chilling imagery and emotional narratives presented in these films, “The Nun” remains a significant chapter within the modern horror landscape, compelling in its portrayal of the eternal battle between good and evil.
