Annabelle: Creation (2017)

Last updated:
September 8, 2025

Annabelle: Creation is a supernatural horror film directed by David F. Sandberg, serving as both a prequel to Annabelle (2014) and part of The Conjuring Universe. It dives into the origins of the infamous Annabelle doll and explains how it became a vessel for evil.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

The Tragedy of the Mullins Family

The story begins with Samuel and Esther Mullins, a dollmaker and his wife, who live peacefully with their young daughter, Bee. Their happiness is shattered when Bee is tragically killed in a car accident. The grief-stricken parents, desperate for solace, unknowingly invite a dark presence into their home when they attempt to contact Bee’s spirit.

The Arrival of the Orphan Girls

Twelve years later, the Mullins open their home to a group of orphan girls and their caretaker, Sister Charlotte. The girls are thrilled by their new residence, but soon strange occurrences begin, particularly around a locked room in the house that once belonged to Bee.

Janice and the Forbidden Room

Janice, a young orphan suffering from polio, grows curious about the locked room. Despite being warned to stay away, she sneaks in and finds the Annabelle doll locked inside a closet covered in pages of Bible scripture. From this moment, the evil force begins targeting her, whispering promises of healing and friendship.

The Haunting Intensifies

Supernatural events escalate, and Janice becomes increasingly isolated from the group. The entity manipulates her physically and emotionally until she finally succumbs, allowing herself to be possessed. Once the demon has her, the attacks on the others become more vicious and violent.

Revelation of the Evil

Esther reveals the truth: after Bee’s death, she and Samuel prayed for their daughter’s return. Instead, they invited a demon that pretended to be Bee’s spirit. This demon attached itself to the doll Samuel had made, using it as a conduit. Their attempt to contain it failed, leading to the horrors now unfolding.

Movie Ending

The climax is brutal. Janice, now fully possessed by the demon, kills Samuel and terrorizes the other children and Sister Charlotte. The surviving girls barely manage to escape, and the demon-possessed Janice disappears.

The film’s epilogue reveals that Janice has fled to an orphanage, renaming herself Annabelle Higgins. Twelve years later, she grows up and joins a Satanic cult—the very cult seen in Annabelle (2014), where the adult Annabelle attacks Mia and her family. This perfectly ties the prequel into the events of the first film, closing the loop on the demon’s origins and setting up its continuing reign of terror in the Conjuring Universe.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

Yes. There are two bonus scenes:

A mid-credits scene teasing the arrival of The Nun (Valak), setting up the spin-off movie The Nun (2018).
A post-credits scene showing a glimpse of Valak in 1952 Romania, directly foreshadowing its solo film.

Type of Movie

This is a supernatural horror film, focusing heavily on possession, haunted objects, and demonic activity.

Cast

Stephanie Sigman as Sister Charlotte
Talitha Bateman as Janice / Annabelle Higgins
Lulu Wilson as Linda
Anthony LaPaglia as Samuel Mullins
Miranda Otto as Esther Mullins

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Benjamin Wallfisch, who created a chilling atmosphere using unsettling strings, sudden silences, and intense crescendos that heighten the tension of every scene.

Filming Locations

The film was shot primarily in Los Angeles, California. The production designed an old farmhouse setting, which becomes an additional “character” in the film, with creaking floors, hidden passages, and claustrophobic rooms amplifying the fear.

Awards and Nominations

While not an awards-heavy film, Annabelle: Creation received recognition in horror circles and fan awards. It was often praised as a major improvement over its predecessor.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Director David F. Sandberg was handpicked by producer James Wan after impressing with Lights Out (2016).
Sandberg encouraged practical effects for scares whenever possible, with digital effects used sparingly.
The doll used in the film is the same prop seen in Annabelle and The Conjuring, carefully maintained for continuity.
Miranda Otto (Esther) filmed most of her scenes in just a few days due to scheduling conflicts.

Inspirations and References

The film draws directly from The Conjuring Universe’s demonology and continues exploring the fictional lore of cursed objects. It also borrows elements from classic haunted house films, like The Exorcist and The Amityville Horror.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

Several extended scares and longer sequences were trimmed to maintain pacing. Sandberg revealed that some deleted scenes featured more backstory on Bee and the Mullins’ grief but were removed to keep focus on the horror.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The movie is not based on a book but ties into the larger mythos of The Conjuring films, which are inspired by the real-life paranormal cases of Ed and Lorraine Warren.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Janice opening the forbidden door and discovering Annabelle in the closet.
The scene with the scarecrow in the barn coming to life.
Esther revealing the truth about inviting the demon.
The chilling possession of Janice.

Iconic Quotes

Esther Mullins: “It was not my little girl. And I’m so sorry.”
Janice (possessed): “May God have mercy on your soul.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

Sister Charlotte shows a photo of herself with fellow nuns, including Valak, foreshadowing The Nun.
The Raggedy Ann doll, the real inspiration for Annabelle, makes a subtle background appearance.
The Mullins’ farmhouse contains several crosses that are flipped upside down throughout the film—classic demon symbolism.

Trivia

Talitha Bateman (Janice) had to film both as the innocent girl and the demon-possessed version, requiring two distinct performances.
The possessed wheelchair scenes were performed using practical rigs to create a more realistic effect.
James Wan was on set during crucial sequences, helping Sandberg maintain continuity within The Conjuring Universe.

Why Watch?

If you love atmospheric horror that combines emotional backstory with terrifying supernatural scares, Annabelle: Creation delivers. It’s widely considered one of the best entries in The Conjuring Universe, blending character-driven storytelling with spine-chilling set pieces.

Director’s Other Movies

Lights Out (2016)
Shazam! (2019)
Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)

Annabelle: Creation (2017)