You can exorcise this fear

Johnson Thomas

The Nun, a spin-off from The Conjuring series, depends largely on period aesthetics to spin its rustic horror yarn. The set pieces look absolutely eerie with echo chambers and sweeping shadowy cloister surroundings that evoke trepidation and fear.

Sister Irene (Taissa Farmiga) is nowhere connected to Lorraine Warren but as a novitiate, she accompanies Father Burke(Demián Bichir), appointed by the Vatican, to investigate the shameful, sinful suicide of a young Nun, a resident of a remote abbey. Local tour guide Frenchie (Jonas Bloquet) is, however, more taken-up with Sister Irene than any demonic possession lore. This is Father Burke’s chance to redeem himself. His failed attempt at exorcism on a young boy haunts him. So, it’s obviously going to be a struggle for him to overcome Valak.

Misty outdoors blanketed in the gloom, while draughty, musty, and cavernous indoors, spell doom – that’s the kind of production design that gets to you here. And it’s largely superficial. There’s little build-up on atmosphere or tension. Flipping wooden crosses, darkened hallways, sudden appearances of the apparition - only amount to jump scares that may work with the highly susceptible. The film is shot with gothic morbidity but the effect plays out vacant because of the inconsistent tone. Trite dialogues and pitiful comedy add to the woes here. Generic tropes and wild special effects compound the orchestrated mayhem but it’s not quite the scary proposition we expected. Most of it feels derivative and too familiar to be original.