Back in 2013 when James Wan’s The Conjuring released, it scared the bejesus out of everyone and was followed by several spin-offs.
Except for the latter, which was a worthy successor, all other spin-offs failed to repeat the magic of the original. Needless to say, I wasn’t much excited about the new installment in the franchise.
But after a bunch of mediocre spin-offs, The Conjuring Universe finally gets its worthy spin-off. Here’s our review for this week’s release, Annabelle Comes Home. Read on to see if it’s worth it.
What’s The Story Morning Glory
The movie starts off with Ed and Lorraine (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) bringing the cursed doll home and containing it into a glass chamber in their basement. The duo has to go out of town leaving their daughter Judy (Mckenna Grace) with a young but capable babysitter, Mary Ellen (Madison Iseman).
All hell breaks loose when Mary Ellen’s friend Daniela (Katie Sarife) opens the glass chamber unleashing Annabelle. The rest of the plot revolves around their endeavours in containing the evils inflicted upon them by the malicious manikin.
On The Upside
Unlike, it’s predecessors, Annabelle Comes Home delivers on its promise to scare you. Debutant director Gary Dauberman has done a terrific job. Perhaps his previous involvement with the franchise as a co-writer has helped him being wary of the atmosphere required for a movie in this kind of universe. He handles the camera and lighting to full effect which makes the film visually scary. The director also does something unexpected which is way outside the Conjuring universe we know. He blends in humour amidst the scary chaos and that’s a welcome change.
As far as performances are concerned, child actors McKenna Grace and Madison Iseman have been exceptional. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga didn’t get much screen time but they were still able to bring the aura of the Warrens to the screen. Michael Cimino as Bob is funny.
The music has been used well. With minimalist jumpscares the music itself has a lot to do with tying the film together.
On The Downside
One thing that does not go down well is that the heroes in real life, The Warren duo, have been sidelined on screen. Seriously it’s hard to digest that the Teenage daughter of the ghosthunter couple would also be a paranormal aficionado. Hence, the premise feels unreal.
Though relatable characters are there this little flaw makes the film a little less enjoyable. Plus it would’ve been fun to see the parents act as guardian angels and cast the spirits out of their home. Oops! Think I gave a spoiler there. Pardon me!
All In All
Annabelle Comes Home is enjoyable as a horror movie. The fun part is that you don’t need to be updated on the Conjuring timeline to enjoy this film.
The jumpscares are of just the right number and the atmosphere invokes a sense of claustrophobia which serves as it’s a strength. It’s 3.5 out of 5 stars from my side for this addition to the horror franchise. You don’t want to miss this scarefest.