Annabelle Comes Home, directed by Gary Dauberman, is the third installment in the Annabelle series and part of the larger Conjuring universe. The film shifts the focus from the doll itself to the broader haunted artifact collection of Ed and Lorraine Warren, integrating the iconic Annabelle doll into a fresh narrative involving family and friendship. While it offers some spooky moments and solid performances, it ultimately struggles with predictability and a lack of depth.

Plot Overview:

Set shortly after the events of Annabelle (2014), the film follows the Warrens (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) as they bring the cursed Annabelle doll to their home, locking it away in a glass cabinet designed to contain evil spirits. They hope to protect their daughter, Judy (Mckenna Grace), and her babysitter, Mary Ellen (Madison Iseman), from the dark forces associated with the doll.

However, when a friend of Judy’s, Daniela (Katie Sarife), breaks into the Warrens’ home to confront her own grief and curiosity about the supernatural, she inadvertently unleashes the malevolent spirits contained within the artifact room. As the night progresses, Judy, Mary Ellen, and Daniela must confront various evil entities that the Annabelle doll awakens, all while trying to survive the chaos and protect each other.

Performances:

Mckenna Grace delivers a standout performance as Judy, the young girl caught in the chaos of her parents’ supernatural dealings. Grace brings depth and emotional nuance to her character, effectively portraying the fear and determination that comes with facing powerful forces. Her performance is grounded, which adds a layer of relatability to the film.

Madison Iseman as Mary Ellen provides a solid supporting role, embodying the protective older sister vibe. Her chemistry with Grace is believable and adds an emotional anchor to the film as the two characters navigate the horror unfolding around them.

Katie Sarife as Daniela plays the friend whose curiosity leads to disaster, and while her character’s motivations are understandable, her decisions often feel frustratingly impulsive. This is a common trope in horror films, where characters make choices that lead to further peril.

Atmosphere and Tension:

Annabelle Comes Home does well in creating a spooky atmosphere, utilizing the Warrens’ artifact room to heighten the sense of dread. The film relies on traditional horror techniques, such as creepy sounds, jump scares, and dark lighting, to build tension. The craftsmanship in set design effectively creates an ominous environment that is both intriguing and foreboding.

However, some jump scares feel predictable, which may take away from the overall suspense for seasoned horror fans. The pacing of the film is uneven, with moments of tension interspersed with slower scenes that don’t always maintain the suspenseful momentum.

Storytelling and Themes:

The film’s storytelling explores themes of friendship, grief, and the consequences of curiosity. The dynamics between Judy, Mary Ellen, and Daniela form the emotional core of the film, emphasizing the importance of companionship in the face of horror. Judy’s struggle with the legacy of her parents’ work in the paranormal adds a layer of complexity, though this theme is not explored as deeply as it could have been.

While the film does attempt to connect to the larger Conjuring universe, it often relies on familiar tropes and lacks the narrative depth found in other films in the franchise. The character motivations sometimes feel underdeveloped, leading to actions that seem more plot-driven than grounded in reality.

Visuals and Special Effects:

The film’s visual style is consistent with other entries in the Conjuring universe, featuring a darker color palette and effective use of shadows to create a sense of foreboding. The practical effects and makeup for the various entities are well-done, providing some genuinely creepy moments that contribute to the overall atmosphere.

While the film primarily relies on traditional horror elements, there are moments of creative visual storytelling, particularly in how the entities manifest and interact with the characters. However, some of the CGI effects do feel a bit overused or less convincing in certain scenes.

Weaknesses:

One of the main weaknesses of Annabelle Comes Home is its predictability. Many of the horror tropes and plot devices will feel familiar to fans of the genre, and the film doesn’t introduce any significant twists or surprises. The character arcs, while engaging, lack the depth necessary to elevate the stakes and emotional weight of the story.

The film’s pacing issues also detract from its effectiveness, with some slower segments that disrupt the flow of tension. Additionally, while the ensemble cast is competent, some characters feel underdeveloped, making it challenging to invest fully in their fates.

Conclusion:

Annabelle Comes Home is an entertaining addition to the Conjuring universe that offers a mix of horror and character-driven storytelling. While it features strong performances, particularly from Mckenna Grace, and creates an effective atmosphere of dread, it ultimately falls short of the depth and innovation seen in other films in the franchise.

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

For fans of supernatural horror and the Conjuring series, Annabelle Comes Home is a solid, if predictable, watch that expands on the lore surrounding the Annabelle doll. However, those seeking fresh scares or deeper character exploration may find it lacking.