‘The Nun’ Plot
‘The Nun’ is a horror movie that transports us to the early 1950s. Set in ‘The Conjuring’ universe, the story revolves around Father Anthony Burke and a young nun named Irene, who investigate a suicide at Saint Cartha’s monastery in Romania, only to confront a demonic entity in the form of a nun. This film, unlike typical horror movies, challenges the foundations of Christianity, making it a unique addition to the genre.
In ‘The Nun,’ the Church itself becomes the target of malevolent forces. It delves into the concept of surrendering to a higher power, which, in this case, is God, becoming synonymous with possession by a demon. This theme of evil within the sacred walls is a central aspect of the film. However, ‘The Nun’ is not the only horror movie to explore these thought-provoking themes. Several other films share similar motifs of faith, doubt, and the confrontation of evil.
8 Movies Similar to ‘The Nun’
1. The Pope’s Exorcist (2023)
Directed by Julius Avery, ‘The Pope’s Exorcist‘ draws inspiration from real events detailed in the memoirs of Father Gabriele Amorth, a chief exorcist for the Diocese of Rome. The movie follows Amorth’s investigation into the possession of a young boy in Spain, revealing dark secrets that the Church had concealed. Like ‘The Nun,’ this film challenges the Church’s authority in the face of evil, emphasizing the idea that faith alone may not be enough.
2. The Exorcism of God (2021)
Directed by Alejandro Hidalgo, ‘The Exorcism of God’ takes the test of faith to another level. Father Peter Williams, who has a dark past of possession, faces a demonic entity 18 years after a previous encounter. This time, the demon takes on the form of Jesus Himself, shaking the very foundations of faith and religion. The film, like ‘The Nun,’ explores themes of faith in crisis and the absence of divine intervention.
3. The Unholy (2021)
In ‘The Unholy,’ directed by Evan Spiliotopoulos, a demonic entity masquerades as the Virgin Mary, leading to miraculous healings and chaos. The film questions faith and belief as it explores the manipulation of religious symbols for sinister purposes. ‘The Unholy’ and ‘The Nun’ both deal with the theme of doubt within one’s faith and the exploitation of spirituality by malevolent forces.
4. The Curse of La Llorona (2019)
Directed by Michael Chaves, ‘The Curse of La Llorona’ is part of ‘The Conjuring‘ universe, like ‘The Nun.’ It revolves around a mother who ignores a warning and faces supernatural horrors. Both films feature female protagonists and evil entities, emphasizing the contrast between good and evil.
5. The Rite (2011)
Starring Colin O’Donoghue, Anthony Hopkins, and Toby Jones, ‘The Rite’ explores the journey of a skeptical deacon as he confronts demonic possession. The film questions his faith and forces him to grapple with the existence of evil. ‘The Rite’ and ‘The Nun’ both depict a battle of powerful entities, each vying for dominance, while also testing the characters’ faith.
6. The Witch (2015)
Directed by Robert Eggers, ‘The Witch’ is set in 17th century England and portrays a Puritan family facing supernatural events. The film explores religious differences, exile, and the struggle between good and evil, much like ‘The Nun.’
7. The Medium (2021)
‘The Medium,’ a Thai horror film directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun, tells the story of a shamaness possessed by a goddess. The movie questions the authenticity of God and faith, inviting viewers to doubt the divine presence.
8. Incantation (2022)
Directed by Kevin Ko, ‘Incantation’ is a Taiwanese horror film that explores the concept of surrender and possession, much like ‘The Nun.’ It challenges the line between good and evil, emphasizing how surrender can sometimes lead to possession.