The Nun II Review: Marilyn Manson-Lookalike Demon Returns In Adequate But Not-So-Scary Sequel

The Nun II (NC16)

Starring Taissa Farmiga, Jonas Bloquet, Storm Reid

Directed by Michael Chaves

Valak, aka The Defiler, aka The Profane, aka Marquis of Snakes, aka the Marilyn Manson-looking, habit-wearing fiend, returns to raise hell in this adequate if superfluous follow-up to the 2018 spin-off of The Conjuring II. Farmiga reprises her role as Sister Irene, this time on a mission to look into a priest’s murder in 1956 France. Guess who’s behind it? Given the gravity of the situation, it seems a tad cavalier of her boss to send her in alone, no? Then again, she has Jesus on her side — so, back, you Devils! Director Chaves (The Curse of the Weeping Woman) doesn’t handle dread and tension as well as franchise initiator James Wan, but he still manages to deliver a few decent jolts (even if they’d been telegraphed in the pesky spoilerific trailers). The movie generally feels like a passive amusement park ride, which is to say it’s scary, but not that scary — you’ll forget it the instant the house lights come on. While Valak might be the lead spook, the real scene-stealer is a demon goat-man (not unlike The Faun in Pan’s Labyrinth) running amok in the third act. Maybe there’s a full-time position for him in the inevitable next chapter of the Conjuring universe. (2.5/5 stars) out in cinemas

Retribution (PG13)

Starring Liam Neeson, Matthew Modine, Embeth Davidtz

Directed by Nimród Antal

Photos: Warner Bros Discovery, Shaw Organisation