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Synopsis:
“Determined to keep Annabelle from wreaking more havoc, paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren lock the possessed doll in the artifacts room in their house. But when the doll awakens the room’s evil spirits, it soon becomes an unholy night of terror for the couple’s 10-year-old daughter, her friends and their young baby sitter.”
Your favorite demonic doll is back and no one is safe, especially if you’re inside the Warren residence. Within The Conjuring universe, Annabelle Comes Home is the third installment of the frightening dolls franchise. Co-written by Gary Dauberman and James Wan and directed by the former, the film makes the safest place feel like hell.
While being part of the same universe as The Conjuring films, The Nun, and The Curse of La Llorona, Annabelle horrifies differently. Not only is the doll a conduit for demonic spirits, but it’s also just plain creepy to look at. It’s what makes it relatable. We’ve all been to a house with at least one eerie looking doll or a collection of dolls and wondered why the dead eyes seem to follow you. In Annabelle’s case, her eyes are following you and now you should run. It should be noted, I’m not a huge fan of most of these films taking place in a singular home but this film is the exception. How well would you fare if you were babysitting in a huge house, a house with a room filled with pure evil? Why do they have that room? Naturally, I was skeptical about how the film would turn out after being disappointed by The Curse of La Llorona, but I was excitedly pleased with the outcome. We get most of the classic horror movie tropes. Also, perfectly timed and unpredictable jump scares. Annabelle Comes Home is a horror home run. See what I did there?
Plot/Pace
Unlike the other films that feature the Warrens, Ed ( Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine (Vera Farmiga), this one is carried by their daughter, her babysitter and a friend. The main storyline has mini-plots that perfectly set up why Annabelle is causing hellish chaos. Along with why those involved are there in the first place. There is no randomness. Everything that happens is setting up something else. There are a few moments of humor. It’s not a horror film without a little laughter to unclench your butthole. To then only make you poop your pants moments later. As far as the pace goes, the film moves pretty fluidly making you feel a full range of emotions. Furthermore, other cases that the Warrens worked on are introduced. Cases that could possibly be setting the ground for The Conjuring 3 or another additive to the universe. Unfortunately, I didn’t care for the ending.
Acting
As previously mentioned, a talented young cast of ladies led the film. It consists of Judy (Mckenna Grace), Mary Ellen (Madison Iseman), and Daniela (Katie Sarife). The fear and acts bravery conveyed on the screen are very realistic. Similarly, the bonds the ladies have with each other stand out. Mckenna Grace steals the show with her sad, gloomy, yet captivating performance. She has a lot to deal with. Kids avoid her, she has a gift she’s embarrassed by, and she cohabitates with evil. Katie Sarife’s character makes you feel compassion for her while simultaneously wanting her to not make it to the end. Madison Iseman’s character needs a raise and new friends.
Annabelle Comes Home releases in theaters on June 26th, 2019.
Rating
4 out of 5
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Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
