Although it’s not without its faults, this latest addition to the “Conjuring” universe is a good time for genre fans. From the isolated Gothic setting to the portentous atmosphere established early on, “The Nun” is surprisingly engaging and satisfying for horror fans. Mind you, it’s not particularly scary or gory, focusing as it does instead on momentum and old-fashioned eeriness in lieu of heavy shocks and scares, and ultimately the movie plays like an impressive, imaginative “Indiana Jones”-style adventure yarn wrapped inside a horror movie. Taissa Farmiga is an engaging, compelling heroine here, capable of channeling great strength and courage despite her diminutive stature, and she’s well-matched by charming sidekick Jonas Bloquet, who steals scenes left and right. There are some gaps in logic and a few missed opportunities that hold it back from greatness but there’s plenty for genre fans to enjoy here.
Rating: ★★★ (out of 5)
