The Conjuring 2 Movie Review (Spoiler Free)

The Warrens return, this time travelling all the way to London to help a single mother with her four children, as they experience the haunting of a poltergeist… or could it be something worse?

Genre: Horror / Mystery

Director: James Wan

Cast: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Frances O’Connor, Madison Wolfe, Lauren Esposito, Benjamin Haigh, Patrick McAuley, Simon McBurney, Simon Delaney, Maria Doyle Kennedy & Franka Potente.

Run Time: 134 min.

US Release: 10 June 2016

UK Release: 13 June 2016

German Release: 16 June 2016

Welcome back all, reporting this time from Madrid, where I caught a quick screening of The Conjuring 2, also known as The Enfield Case. I’ll be honest, I went into this one with very high expectations. The first Conjuring was one of the best horror flicks of the past years, so James Wan had quite the challenge to live up to that legacy. Thankfully, he didn’t just repeat himself; he created a fresh secon parter, crafting a sequel that is both terrifying and emotionally gripping. While it doesn’t quite reach the flawless precision of the original, it comes close enough to earn the title of one of the most effective horror sequels.

Set in 1977 London, the story centres on the Hodgson family, who begin experiencing increasingly disturbing paranormal occurrences. Young Janet Hodgson (Madison Wolfe) becomes the focus point of a terrifying demonic presence. Desperate and afraid, her mother, Peggy (Frances O’Connor), seeks help from the Catholic Church, which in turn calls on renowned paranormal investigators the Warrens (Patrick Wilson plus Vera Farmiga), who travel to England to determine whether the haunting is real or fabricated. What follows is a deeply personal, frightening case that tests the Warrens’ faith.

The screenplay, penned once again by Chad and Carey Hayes alongside Wan, crafts a story that balances supernatural horror with a heartfelt family drama. What works so well here is how the film never loses sight of its passionate core. Beneath all the demonic shrieks, as well as bloodcurdling imagery, lies a story about fear, faith, and compassion.

The Hodgsons are not treated as mere victims, but as people dealing with trauma, poverty, plus disbelief. Yet, the script occasionally stumbles under its own ambition; the runtime, clocking in at over two hours, feels slightly overstretched, particularly during the second act, where the pacing sags a little, before ramping up for a bone-chilling third act.

Wan’s direction remains masterful. He continues to prove that he’s one of modern horror’s great visionaries, using long, deliberate tracking shots that build an almost unbearable sense of dread. Unlike many horror filmmakers, Wan doesn’t rely on cheap jump scares; instead, orchestrating them with precision, timing, just like atmosphere.

Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga once again shine as the demon-hunting couple. Their chemistry remains one of the franchise’s strongest aspects. This time, the film delves deeper into their relationship, showing how the constant exposure to darkness begins to weigh on their family.

Farmiga delivers a beautifully nuanced performance; her portrayal of Lorraine’s vulnerability, as well as strength, makes her one of the most empathetic horror protagonists. Wilson, meanwhile, gives Ed a grounded heroism that never feels forced. The scene where he serenades the family with Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” provides a quiet, human moment amidst all the chaos, capturing the warmth the Warrens bring to these stories.

Frances O’Connor delivers a strong performance as the desperate mother, torn between protecting her children and questioning her own sanity. Yet it’s Madison Wolfe as young Janet Hodgson who completely steals the show. Her transformation from innocent schoolgirl to tormented victim is harrowing, selling it with remarkable maturity. Her physicality, which she brings to her role, makes the possession sequences feel truly disturbing.

Visually, The Conjuring 2 is a stunning piece of horror filmmaking. The camera moves smoothly through the Hodgson home, capturing the claustrophobic layout of the council house, while amplifying tension. Don Burgess’s cinematography contrasts the gloomy greys of London with the warm candle-lit tones of the Warrens’ life, symbolising the clash between faith and darkness.

The production design beautifully recreates the 70s aesthetic, grounding the supernatural in solid reality. The sound design, too, deserves special mention. Every thump or whisper, every creak heightens the sense of unease. The use of sound, especially the low, guttural voice of the demon, plays a huge part in making the audience feel the haunting.

The effects are a mixed bag. While the practical work: levitations, moving furniture, and the subtle makeup, remain impressive, the increased reliance on computer-generated imagery slightly undercuts the rawness that made the original feel so authentic. Still, when combined with the film’s rapid visual storytelling, these moments remain effective.

---

Verdict: The Conjuring 2 might not surpass the original, but it stands firmly as a worthy continuation of the Warrens’ cinematic adventure. It’s proof that James Wan is one of the most capable horror regisseurs working today, balancing heartfelt emotion with nerve-shattering terror. The scares are genuine, the characters are believable, and the craftsmanship behind the camera is undeniable. Though the runtime could have used some trimming and the CGI is occasionally overused, these are minor faults in an otherwise chilling, emotionally rich experience. Containing stellar performances from Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Frances O’Connor, as well as an unforgettable turn by Madison Wolfe, The Conjuring 2 cements its place as one of the rare horror sequels that genuinely deliver. It also obtains an 8.5 out of 10. 

Do you agree with what I said? What did you think of this sequel? Thank you for reading!