The Conjuring 2, directed by James Wan, is the chilling sequel to the 2013 supernatural hit. This time, the infamous demonologist couple Ed and Lorraine Warren head to Enfield, England, to confront one of the most famous and terrifying cases in paranormal history: the Enfield Poltergeist. Packed with atmospheric horror, grounded performances, and an eerie historical foundation, the film delves deeper into the Warrens’ relationship and spiritual mission.
Detailed Summary
Opening: Amityville and Lorraine’s Vision
The movie opens with the Warrens investigating the notorious Amityville haunting. During a séance, Lorraine experiences a disturbing vision of a demonic nun and sees Ed’s death. This vision becomes a pivotal psychological thread for Lorraine, who becomes increasingly fearful of losing her husband.
This also introduces the film’s primary antagonist: the demonic nun later known as Valak.
The Hodgson Family and the Enfield Haunting
Thousands of miles away in Enfield, England, the Hodgson family begins to experience strange disturbances in their modest home. Single mother Peggy Hodgson is at a loss when her daughter Janet appears to become the center of intense paranormal activity — including sleepwalking, levitation, speaking in tongues, and being possessed by an entity claiming to be Bill Wilkins, the spirit of the previous tenant.
The public and media become involved, and soon the haunting is national news. While many suspect it’s a hoax by the children, the escalation of events suggests otherwise.
The Warrens Enter the Picture
Though reluctant at first, the Catholic Church asks the Warrens to visit Enfield and evaluate whether the events are genuine. The Church doesn’t want to publicly associate with the case unless the Warrens find proof.
Lorraine is still shaken by her vision and initially refuses, but eventually agrees. Once in England, they encounter the increasingly aggressive haunting and try to make sense of the multiple spiritual presences.
Hoax or Possession?
At one point, Janet appears to be faking the hauntings — caught on video bending spoons and wrecking the kitchen. This causes the Church to back away and the Warrens to prepare to leave. But Ed remains suspicious. Meanwhile, Lorraine realizes something isn’t adding up.
Eventually, using her psychic abilities and memories from the Amityville séance, Lorraine deciphers the demon nun’s name: Valak. With this name, she can challenge and exorcise the entity.
Movie Ending
As the demonic activity escalates, Janet is possessed and held at the brink of death — pinned against the ceiling of the house, a few seconds away from being impaled on a protruding wooden spike.
Ed rushes in alone to save her as Lorraine, outside in the pouring rain, finally pieces together the demon’s name: Valak. She bursts into the house and confronts the entity.
Using the demon’s true name — a core concept in demonology — Lorraine demands it leave:
“In the name of God, I banish you back to Hell!”
The power of knowing the demon’s name strips it of control. Valak is sucked back into the abyss in a whirl of thunder and screaming. The haunting ends. Janet is saved.
In the aftermath, Ed retrieves a crooked man toy, which hints that more malevolent forces may be connected. The Warrens return home with another case behind them, their love and faith reaffirmed. Lorraine tells Ed she saw his death, but her faith and love kept him alive.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, The Conjuring 2 does not have a post-credits scene. However, during the end credits, real-life photos and audio recordings from the actual Enfield Poltergeist case are shown — including chilling interviews with the real Janet Hodgson. This serves to ground the horror in historical context, enhancing the eerie feeling that the events were based on true stories.
Type of Movie
- Genre: Supernatural Horror
- Sub-genres: Paranormal, Psychological Thriller, Based on True Events
Cast
- Patrick Wilson as Ed Warren
- Vera Farmiga as Lorraine Warren
- Madison Wolfe as Janet Hodgson
- Frances O’Connor as Peggy Hodgson
- Simon McBurney as Maurice Grosse
- Franka Potente as Anita Gregory
- Bob Adrian as Bill Wilkins (voice)
Film Music and Composer
The chilling score was composed by Joseph Bishara, who also plays the demon in the film (and in the Insidious franchise). The score is heavy on eerie, discordant tones, whispery effects, and sudden jolts — designed to keep viewers constantly uneasy.
Filming Locations
- Principal photography took place in London and Los Angeles.
- Many indoor scenes were shot on soundstages designed to replicate the Hodgsons’ small London home.
- The Enfield street scenes were shot in Bracknell, Berkshire, UK — offering a similar suburban layout to the original location.
The physical claustrophobia of the house plays a crucial role in intensifying the tension.
Awards and Nominations
While The Conjuring 2 didn’t receive major mainstream awards, it was praised by genre critics and fans. It earned nominations and wins at:
- Saturn Awards (Best Horror Film – nominated)
- Fright Meter Awards (Best Supporting Actress – Madison Wolfe)
- Empire Awards (Best Horror)
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The real Janet Hodgson claims about 2% of the haunting was exaggerated — the rest, she insists, was real.
- James Wan considered not returning for the sequel but was drawn back by the script’s emotional depth and the Warrens’ relationship.
- The demon nun was a late addition — the original villain was a horned demon. Wan changed it during reshoots after having a dream about a “blasphemous nun.”
- Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga did many of their own stunts, including the levitation scenes.
- Madison Wolfe, who played Janet, had to perform many intense scenes — often with minimal CGI.
Inspirations and References
- The film is based on the real-life Enfield Poltergeist case (1977–1979), one of the most documented hauntings in British history.
- Lorraine and Ed Warren visited the real Hodgson house and interviewed the family, although their actual involvement is debated.
- The Crooked Man nursery rhyme and character, while fictional in this context, is based on a real English rhyme and serves as a metaphor for distorted evil.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
- The original design of the demon was different — it was changed to Valak the Nun to reflect Lorraine’s religious visions and add thematic weight.
- Several deleted scenes show more family interactions, intended to deepen our connection with the Hodgsons.
- A longer version of the Crooked Man sequence was shot but trimmed for pacing and tone.
Book Adaptations and Differences
While there is no direct book adaptation of the film, the Warrens’ work has been chronicled in various paranormal investigation books. The film takes creative liberties — for example, it amplifies the Warrens’ involvement, though skeptics argue their presence in the real case was minimal.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Lorraine’s vision of the demon nun walking behind Ed with a painting of itself.
- Janet speaking in the dead man’s voice during a chilling interview.
- Ed playing guitar and singing “Can’t Help Falling in Love” to calm the Hodgsons — a rare light moment.
- The final confrontation where Lorraine banishes Valak.
Iconic Quotes
- Lorraine Warren: “This is not just a haunting. It’s a warning.”
- Ed Warren: “Whatever is coming, it’s something we’ve never faced before.”
- Janet (possessed): “I’m not Janet. I’m Bill.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The Valak name appears subtly throughout the movie — in window carvings, books, and bracelets — before Lorraine realizes it.
- Ed’s painting of the demon nun is an original creation by James Wan’s concept artists.
- The Crooked Man is a practical effect, not CGI — portrayed by contortionist Javier Botet.
Trivia
- The Valak character became so popular it spawned a spin-off: The Nun (2018).
- James Wan directed The Conjuring 2 after working on Furious 7 — a genre pivot that showcases his range.
- Vera Farmiga kept the crucifix from the set as a memento.
- Patrick Wilson learned to play the Elvis song himself for the role.
Why Watch?
The Conjuring 2 offers more than just jump scares. It’s a character-driven horror film that focuses on love, faith, and the emotional weight of confronting evil. It’s a rare sequel that equals — and in some ways surpasses — its predecessor, balancing intimate family drama with terrifying supernatural elements.
Director’s Other Movies
- The Conjuring (2013)
- Insidious (2010)
- Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013)
- Aquaman (2018)
- Malignant (2021)
- Saw (2004)
Recommended Films for Fans
- The Conjuring (2013)
- Insidious (2010)
- The Nun (2018)
- Annabelle: Creation (2017)
- The Haunting in Connecticut (2009)
- The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
- Sinister (2012)
