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<\/a>The Nun II<\/em> picks up where 2018\u2019s The Nun<\/em> left off, as Valak, the burning-eyed, fanged demon that dresses like a nun, has piggybacked its way from Romania to southern France in the 1950s, wreaking havoc on unfortunate victims as it goes.<\/p>\n The film opens wide in theaters on Friday, Sept. 8, as the latest entry in The Conjuring <\/em>franchise.<\/em><\/p>\n But, it\u2019s not one of the films with The Conjuring<\/em> in its title. Those are loosely based on the work of Catholic paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga).<\/p>\n Sister Irene (Taissa Farmiga, Vera\u2019s younger sister), who (apparently only temporarily) defeated Valak by spitting the Blood of Christ at it in The Nun, <\/em>is also back. This time, she\u2019s a fully professed sister rather than just a novice.<\/p>\n She\u2019s living quietly at a convent in Italy. There, the other sisters gossip about the nun who took on a demon \u2014 unaware that she lives in their midst. But the Vatican knows where she is.<\/p>\n Sister Irene also has a new pal, young Sister Deborah (Storm Reid) and a new mission \u2014 once again saving the world (or at least a girls\u2019 boarding school) from Valak.<\/p>\n Sadly, cholera killed her priest sidekick from The Nun<\/em><\/a>, so a cardinal sends Sister Irene out solo \u2014 until Sister Deborah tags along. They head to a French town to investigate the latest killing, the immolation of a priest.<\/p>\n Once again, Sister Irene has visions, but now they include her old pal from Romania, French-Canadian handyman Maurice (Jonas Bloquet), a k a Frenchie.<\/p>\n As fans of The Nun<\/em> know, Valak grabbed hold of Frenchie at the end of the first movie, and now is using him as a vessel in between murdering innocent people.<\/p>\n Frenchie\u2019s working at the school, where he\u2019s befriended a young pupil (Katelyn Rose Downey), whose teacher mother (Anna Popplewell) has caught his eye.<\/p>\n But, with Frenchie on the premises, Valak can terrorize the school, a former monastery that is the hiding place of a holy relic, the power of which the demon covets.<\/p>\n Well, it\u2019s got about as many holes in it as in The Nun<\/em>, which is to say, it\u2019s Swiss cheese. But, as with its predecessor, this film is also drenched in Catholic imagery, imagination and belief.<\/p>\n Other than Sister Irene\u2019s visions, nobody here has special powers. Whatever they do to combat Valak or any other demonic forces that might pop up is either from their own strength and courage, or from the power of their prayer, which, ultimately, calls upon the power of Christ.<\/p>\n Whether it\u2019s expressed through a Crucifix or a Rosary or a whole bunch of somehow-consecrated wine (just remember, we are bound by the laws of Christ\u2019s Church, but Christ can do whatever He wants), all power flows from God alone.<\/p>\n It\u2019s rare enough that a film these days even respects Catholicism, let alone supporting the idea that God is real, Christ is real, demons are real, and prayer, faith and Sacraments are real and not just the spiritual equivalent of a warm blankie.<\/p>\n Also, despite the presence of the handsome Frenchie, Sister Irene remains true to her vows.<\/p>\n Very, within the context of a pulp horror movie. And while Sister Deborah still harbors some doubts (I think she gets over them by the end), the film celebrates Catholicism, especially when it comes to battling ultimate evil.<\/p>\n But, Catholics want to make sure that their suspension-of-disbelief switch is turned on. After all, this is a horror\/thriller movie, not a documentary on exorcism.<\/p>\n This time around, we\u2019re also introduced, as I said above, to the notion of holy relics. I won\u2019t tell you what the relic is, but it is connected to St. Lucy and, through her, to her \u201cdescendants.\u201d<\/p>\n (BTW, she died a virgin martyr,<\/a> so she doesn\u2019t have any. But, I quibble.)<\/p>\n Also, the film confirms the Real Presence in the Eucharist, in which the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ are fully present under the appearance of consecrated bread and wine.<\/p>\n Whether it\u2019s in such films as the classic The Exorcist, <\/em>the recent The Pope\u2019s Exorcist<\/a><\/em>, or the rest of The Conjuring<\/em> franchise<\/a>, the Church stands as the bulwark between humanity and supernatural horrors.<\/p>\n While The Exorcist<\/em> took itself more seriously than the other movies mentioned above, all of them \u2014 no matter how over-the-top the special effects, or how ludicrous the plot \u2014 affirm that the power of Christ, wielded through the Church, compels the devil and his minions.<\/p>\n Many Catholics don\u2019t care for movies like this, and I understand that. But, I will say, as a revert, before I came back to the Church, Catholic horror films like this kept a spark alive in me and reminded me that the Church is the one, the only, the original.<\/p>\n There are plenty of jump scares, but the film doesn\u2019t have the creeping sense of menace of The Exorcist<\/em>, or even The Omen.<\/em> There are some nice cinematic touches, and Taissa Farmiga does a great job as the stoic and slightly melancholy Sister Irene.<\/p>\n But, as with The Pope\u2019s Exorcist<\/em>, these are demons with a capital D. So, you\u2019re unlikely to go home and fret that a giant, toothy nun or a galloping goat-man lurks in your closet.<\/p>\n As you might expect for an R-rated film, there is violence, but the gore is kept to a minimum. There\u2019s one instance<\/a> of taking the Lord\u2019s name in vain, a couple of minor profanities, and no sexual content or nudity.<\/p>\n Sure, if you\u2019ve enjoyed The Conjuring<\/em> franchise \u2014 or just like a fun horror movie in general. These films may be wildly overblown and occasionally inaccurate, but their Catholic heart is in the right place.<\/p>\n And, although it\u2019s female-centric, The Nun II<\/em> is blessedly free of the \u201cfemale empowerment\u201d and anti-male messaging found in what I like to call \u201cyou go, girl\u201d movies.<\/p>\n Oh, and when the credits roll, don\u2019t hop up and run out. You\u2019ll be rewarded if you stick around to the very end.<\/p>\nWho Besides Valak Is Back in The Nun II<\/em>?<\/h3>\n
How\u2019s the Theology in The Nun II<\/em>?<\/h3>\n
But, Is It Catholic?<\/h3>\n
The Church Shines in Catholic Horror Films<\/h3>\n
Is The Nun II<\/em> Scary?<\/h3>\n
Should Catholics See The Nun II<\/em>?<\/h3>\n