6 / 10. Atmospheric with good performances but lacking some good scares, not up to par with The Conjuring films

The Nun is a gothic supernatural horror film directed by Corin Hardy and written by Gary Dauberman, from a story by James Wan and himself. It is the fifth instalment in the Conjuring Universe franchise.

In Romania, 1952, Roman catholic priest Father Burke (Demián Bichir) is sent by the Vatican with a young nun, Sister Irene (Taissa Farmiga), to investigate an incident at the deeply creepy Saint Cartha's monastery. They are taken to the monastery by Frenchie (Jonas Bloquet), and the three uncover an unholy and supernatural infestation, risking their lives to end it.

I’m a fan of the Conjuring universe and this addition is darkly atmospheric with haunting Romanian settings and filming locations, utilised well through the cinematography.

The thing that made the demonic Nun, an incarnation of demon Valak, so creepy as a brief encounter in The Conjuring 2 was the mystery of her and the brief glimpses, but here she lacks that punch. She is too visible, too soon, and the biggest scare was on the trailer, so I knew that was coming. Bonnie Aarons does a fantastic job as the Nun, with such a striking face for this type of role.

I love Demian Bichir and he was great as Father Burke (albeit too hot for a priest IMO), and it was good casting to use Taissa Farmiga (Vera’s younger sister) as Sister Irene. Frenchie (Jonas Bloquet) provided some comic relief, if a little creepy, at times.

I guessed a major twist coming a mile away, but the film is enjoyable. The link back to Lorraine Warren’s original encounter with Valak was effective and a good tie in, but there was more they could have done with the plot, and it’s not up to par with other Conjuring Universe films.