The Nun 3 emerges from the shadows of The Conjuring Universe, delivering another chilling chapter in the saga of Valak, the demon nun. Directed by Michael Chaves and penned by Gary Dauberman, the third installment ventures deeper into the mythology surrounding the sinister entity while maintaining the eerie, gothic atmosphere that has become a signature of the franchise. But does this sequel manage to revive the fear instilled by its predecessors, or does it fall victim to the diminishing returns of a long-running horror series?

Plot Overview

Set in the early 1960s, The Nun 3 picks up after the harrowing events of The Nun II, following Sister Irene (Taissa Farmiga) as she is once again drawn into a battle against the malevolent Valak. This time, the entity’s terror has spread to an orphanage in rural France, where a series of inexplicable deaths and ghostly apparitions have left the remaining children and caretakers in a state of paralyzing fear. When Irene arrives, she finds herself facing not only Valak’s escalating power but also secrets buried deep within the orphanage’s history—secrets that might explain why Valak has chosen this particular place as its hunting ground.

Meanwhile, Maurice (Jonas Bloquet), still struggling with the remnants of his past possession, begins experiencing terrifying visions, suggesting that Valak is not done with him yet. As the two protagonists race against time to uncover the demon’s true purpose, they are joined by Father Malone (newcomer to the series, played by Ralph Ineson), a skeptical but determined priest with his own haunting past.

Strengths of The Nun 3

1. A More Complex Narrative

One of the major improvements in The Nun 3 is its commitment to a more intricate storyline. Where its predecessors often relied heavily on jump scares and traditional horror tropes, this film takes a more psychological approach, weaving in historical elements related to the orphanage’s dark past. The narrative draws inspiration from real-world tales of abandoned children, secret experiments, and the corrupt power of religious institutions, making for a richer and more unsettling experience.

2. Stronger Character Development

Sister Irene’s character continues to evolve, with Farmiga delivering one of her strongest performances in the franchise. This time, Irene grapples with a crisis of faith, questioning whether her connection to the divine is enough to battle such a formidable evil. Her internal conflict adds a layer of depth that makes her a more compelling protagonist. Likewise, Maurice’s struggle with his past possession provides an emotional weight rarely seen in horror sequels. His arc is one of redemption and fear, as he battles the darkness within himself.

Father Malone’s  is another highlight. Unlike previous clerics in the series, he enters the story as a skeptic, believing the horrors are merely psychological manifestations rather than supernatural ones. His gradual transformation and eventual acceptance of the truth serve as one of the film’s more gripping subplots.

3. Atmosphere and Cinematography

The film leans heavily into its gothic horror roots, utilizing shadowy corridors, candlelit catacombs, and fog-drenched exteriors to craft an overwhelming sense of dread. Director Michael Chaves, known for his work on The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, refines his craft here, allowing the horror to simmer rather than explode in every scene. Long, lingering shots create tension, while an eerie, orchestral score by Joseph Bishara enhances the film’s haunting atmosphere.

4. Effective Scares

While The Nun 3 avoids excessive jump scares, it does not shy away from moments of sheer terror. Valak is used more sparingly, making its appearances all the more terrifying. One of the film’s most memorable sequences takes place in an underground chapel, where Irene and Maurice uncover a mass grave filled with the orphanage’s dark past—only to realize they are not alone. The use of practical effects combined with minimal CGI ensures that the horror feels tangible and immediate.

Weaknesses of The Nun 3

1. Pacing Issues

Despite its stronger narrative, the film struggles with pacing in its second act. After an intense opening sequence, the story slows down considerably as it delves into exposition and historical backstory. While these moments add depth, they also detract from the immediacy of the horror. The film eventually regains momentum in its final act, but the slow build-up may test the patience of some viewers.

2. Some Overused Horror Tropes

While The Nun 3 attempts to differentiate itself from its predecessors, it still falls into some familiar horror traps. Whispered Latin prayers, flickering candlelight, and doors creaking open on their own are effective but have been seen countless times before. A few of Valak’s manifestations also feel predictable, particularly in moments where the demon lingers in the background only to suddenly lunge forward.

3. The Franchise’s Overarching Story

At this point, The Conjuring Universe is juggling multiple storylines, some of which feel disjointed. While The Nun 3 does a commendable job of tying back into the events of The Conjuring 2, it still leaves questions unanswered regarding Valak’s ultimate purpose. Fans expecting a clear connection between Valak and the Warrens may find themselves slightly disappointed.

Final Verdict

Overall, The Nun 3 is a marked improvement over its predecessors, offering a more compelling story, better-developed characters, and an eerie, atmospheric experience. While it does fall into some familiar horror tropes and suffers from pacing issues in the middle act, it ultimately delivers a satisfying blend of psychological and supernatural horror.

For fans of The Conjuring Universe, this installment feels like a return to form, proving that there is still more to explore within the dark mythology of Valak. If this is indeed the final chapter for the demon nun, it provides a fittingly terrifying send-off. But given the franchise’s history, it’s likely that the darkness has yet to lift completely.

Rating: 7.5/10