 | Genre: Horror |
The beautiful shots are still here too; instead of amazing swings upside down, the camera tilts and the framing pulls your attention to the characters' surroundings. Some really fantastic off centre and out-of-focus moments makes this a film that tears you between hiding behind your fingers and staring at the visuals.
While presented as the true account of the events from the perspective of Ed and Lorraine Warren, and showing us an accurately recreated version of the infamous Enfield Haunting photo, the film strongly feels elaborated if not fictional. For one, the real story is far from one of the most convincing with little evidence of the scarier film moments. Likewise, the real life Ed and Lorraine are much less charismatic and likeable; I personally believe they are either gullible exaggerators or non-malicious liars, but would happily invite the film versions round for dinner. Perhaps it is the way the events are shown as literally happening in the film compared to told afterwards in real life, or perhaps it is the focus on their love for each other and strong Christian faith in the film compared to their more private, celebrity status in real life. Regardless of your knowledge and opinions of the case and the Warrens, this is a scary and enjoyable film.
Keep your eyes peeled for foreshadowing and hints, and to what's going on in the background. Just as the first films outstanding 'hide and clap' moments only visible to the viewers, there are paranormal happenings unseen by the characters included in the film. As well as these little fourth wall breaks, there are clues given to different characters and the possibility that a sharp minded, eagle eyed viewer could work things out before the characters.#
Some minor spoilers ahead: an odd moment in the Warren home shows the demon's name, spelled out in wooden blocks. This kind of moment, completely meaningless and unlikely to be noticed by almost all of the audience, but clearly as meaningful as the vision when you look back, could be an easter egg. This is a clever film, combining the possibly unnecessary jump scares with truly scary horror and truly clever details.
If you can catch it in the cinema, don't sit too close to the big screen. Seeing the two in order isn't necessary, so make sure to watch this even if you haven't seen the first. Be warned, as this isn't for the easily scared.
While presented as the true account of the events from the perspective of Ed and Lorraine Warren, and showing us an accurately recreated version of the infamous Enfield Haunting photo, the film strongly feels elaborated if not fictional. For one, the real story is far from one of the most convincing with little evidence of the scarier film moments. Likewise, the real life Ed and Lorraine are much less charismatic and likeable; I personally believe they are either gullible exaggerators or non-malicious liars, but would happily invite the film versions round for dinner. Perhaps it is the way the events are shown as literally happening in the film compared to told afterwards in real life, or perhaps it is the focus on their love for each other and strong Christian faith in the film compared to their more private, celebrity status in real life. Regardless of your knowledge and opinions of the case and the Warrens, this is a scary and enjoyable film.
Keep your eyes peeled for foreshadowing and hints, and to what's going on in the background. Just as the first films outstanding 'hide and clap' moments only visible to the viewers, there are paranormal happenings unseen by the characters included in the film. As well as these little fourth wall breaks, there are clues given to different characters and the possibility that a sharp minded, eagle eyed viewer could work things out before the characters.#
Some minor spoilers ahead: an odd moment in the Warren home shows the demon's name, spelled out in wooden blocks. This kind of moment, completely meaningless and unlikely to be noticed by almost all of the audience, but clearly as meaningful as the vision when you look back, could be an easter egg. This is a clever film, combining the possibly unnecessary jump scares with truly scary horror and truly clever details.
If you can catch it in the cinema, don't sit too close to the big screen. Seeing the two in order isn't necessary, so make sure to watch this even if you haven't seen the first. Be warned, as this isn't for the easily scared.
