“The Nun 2”: Uncovering the Layers of Horror References and Connections
The Cinematic Web of “The Nun 2”
“The Nun 2”, part of the gripping Conjuring universe, is a masterful tapestry interwoven with multiple easter eggs, both from its parent franchise and other iconic horror classics. As Sister Irene delves deeper into her second encounter with the sinister demon, Valak, audiences are treated to a myriad of references, making the experience both an eerie ride and a nostalgic journey.
Homage to Timeless Horror Classics
The Exorcist’s Echoes
One of the more noticeable homages in “The Nun 2” is its tribute to “The Exorcist” from 1973. The scene at the beginning, featuring a backlit man with a hat and suitcase, is a clear nod to the moment Father Merrin arrives to confront the demon Pazuzu. This tribute isn’t just about the imagery but extends to the storyline. Just as Father Merrin understood the gravity of the evil inside Regan MacNeil, the Cardinal and his assistant, recognizing Valak’s malevolent strength, seek out Sister Irene’s expertise. However, the chilling realization for Irene is that Valak has now possessed Frenchie.
This isn’t the first time the Conjuring franchise has tipped its hat to “The Exorcist”. “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” also mirrored elements from the classic, specifically the entrance of Father Gordon and the physical manifestation of David Glatzel’s demonic possession.
An Ominous Nod to The Blair Witch Project
The film also alludes to “The Blair Witch Project”. Frenchie’s possession and his trance-like state, where he faces a wall emitting peculiar sounds, unmistakably mirrors Mike’s trance in the climax of the Blair Witch classic. And much like in the Blair Witch, an impending doom awaits the unsuspecting visitor who encounters this eerie sight.
Connecting Threads in The Conjuring Universe
Parallel Beginnings: Annabelle and The Nun 2
Sister Irene’s introduction in “The Nun 2” is juxtaposed against another Conjuring film, “Annabelle: Creation”. The scene where Sister Irene and other nuns attempt to push a car out of the mud strongly mirrors the tragic incident where young Annabelle Mullins meets her untimely end due to a car accident.
Returning Hallway Scares
One of the more spine-chilling sequences in “The Nun 2” is the reuse of the infamous hallway scare from “The Conjuring 2”. Young Sophie witnesses an eerily familiar sight — Valak at the end of the Warren family’s hallway, a shot that fans will instantly recognize. This suggests Valak’s sinister foreshadowing, indicating the demon’s looming confrontation with the Warrens.
Visions of Heritage and Power
In a potent visionary sequence, as Valak torments Sister Irene, she perceives images of her mother, St. Lucy, and notably, Lorraine Warren. This implies a profound connection between the characters played by Taissa and Vera Farmiga, possibly even hinting at a shared lineage. The sheer strength of St. Lucy’s eyes, coupled with Irene’s visions, suggest a powerful ancestral line that’s inherently geared to combat malevolent forces.
Valak’s Unforgettable Artistry
The image of Valak materializing from a painting in “The Conjuring 2” remains one of the franchise’s most iconic moments. “The Nun 2” revisits this, but with a twist. Valak transforms from a mere painting into a grotesque, fanged creature, evoking memories of Pennywise’s transformations from the “It” series.
Conclusion
“The Nun 2” intricately layers its narrative with homages, references, and connections. It’s more than just a horror film; it’s a cinematic puzzle, paying respect to classic horror while forging its own legacy in the annals of the genre.
