Wan conjures up some good scares in tight sequel
|||Debashine Thangevelo
WHEN The Conjuring made its arrival on the big screen in 2013, horror fans went insane.
In fact, it went on to make history and now sits at NO 2 – after The Exorcist – in Hollywood’s supernatural annals. That it isn’t fiction also bolsters the appeal of the film.
Similar to the first movie, the follow-on offering is based on a catalogued real-life case by renowned demonologists, Ed and Lorraine Warren.
With James Wan back at the helm and Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson reprising their roles as the Warrens, The Conjuring 2 doesn’t disappoint.
The sombre hues in the cinematography help to create the perfect eerie ambience for the possession story.
Once again, the director homes in on Ed and Lorraine Warren’s personal lives. There is a sense of trepidation on Lorraine’s part – and she is hoping for a reprieve from crossing paths with paranormal beings. She is also haunted by a vision of losing her better half to a demon.
Instead, she would prefer to focus on their lectures and interviews, although Ed is getting tired of the constant undermining of what they do by disbelievers.
However, the one thing that remains constant is their generous hearts in helping those in need.
And in 1977, a case in Enfield attracted the interest of the media, fascinated psychic researchers and, of course, the church.
Due to the media circus around the supernatural happenings in the home of a single mother of four, Peggy Hodgson, the demonologist couple are asked to assess the case of the possession of Peggy’s youngest daughter.
While the evidence of a demonic entity is damning, something feels amiss for Ed and Lorraine.
In fact, there are times when, if you have watched The Exorcist, you also get a sense of déjà vu.
Of course, given the era in which the story lives, the costumes, backdrops and attention to detail in the set is painstakingly accurate.
The marvellous casting, including our mascots, helps the audience become more invested in the emotional journeys of everyone. The sense of anguish is masterfully offset by hope and faith.
When the end credits roll, the director juxtaposes the real-life characters with their acting counterparts.
The Conjuring 2 is a dexterously directed horror. There is never a moment when the audience gets comfortable. Wan weaves an air of evil with the objects flying around the room, strange noises penetrating the quiet in the dead of night, frightening screen shots of demonic images, levitation of the little person who is possessed coupled with a changed voice and creepy eye-colour.
If you liked The Conjuring and Annabelle you should enjoy this.