Review of Annabelle: Creation (2017) by Luke A — 14 Aug 2017

Annabelle: Creation is a far superior sequel in every way. I was one of those few that actually like the prequel to The Conjuring. It wasn't great I agree but I found it to be watchable and entertaining.

Somehow, somewhere...we are presented with a sequel that betters its predecessor in every aspect. We had the same last year with Ouija: Origin of Evil. Interestingly, both these sequels have the same creepy girl.

Coincidence? I think not. What David Sandberg was able to accomplish on a tight budget is quite the accomplishment. The story is a basic paranormal possession film that we've all seen before. What elevates this above many other mediocre horror films is the clean cinematography and intelligent scares.

This is not just jump scare after jump scare (although let me be clear, there are loads of them), there are some genuinely clever tricks. Sandberg's camera movement was the conduit...*ahem*...and really plays with your mind.

The POV camera shots kept me on edge, the slow panning was able to create suspense and, my personal favourite, focussing on the foreground when something moves in the background. You can't quite see it, it's blurry.

..so you look closer with intrigue...and then it gets you. Well, it got me every time. The acting all round was believable and little hints of character development or backstory are embedded within the script.

You may not be emotionally invested with these girls, but they do have some depth. Annabelle herself? Itself? The doll? Whatever. Is put in great use here. She's kind of like that friend that you don't want to hang out with.

..but she's always there. The lighting was extremely well thought out, particularly on Annabelle where the light is shown on half her face in many scenes so that the rest of her is concealed in darkness.

Some of the visual effects in the third act were slightly ineffective and certain aspects of the story were rushed, but that final act...relentless. 30 minutes of terror. Loved the continuity as well! All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this and is a ridiculously scary sequel.