Annabelle Comes Home (2019)
Annabelle Comes Home (2019) is the third installment in the Annabelle series and the seventh film in The Conjuring Universe. Directed by Gary Dauberman in his directorial debut, the movie is a supernatural horror that builds on the terrifying lore of the haunted doll, Annabelle.
Plot Overview:
The movie begins with paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) bringing the possessed doll, Annabelle, back to their home. They seal her in a sacred glass case within their artifacts room, ensuring her evil is contained. The case is blessed by a priest to prevent Annabelle from wreaking havoc by summoning malevolent spirits.
The story takes a turn when the Warrens leave their young daughter, Judy (Mckenna Grace), under the care of her babysitter, Mary Ellen (Madison Iseman). Mary Ellen’s curious and impulsive friend, Daniela (Katie Sarife), sneaks into the artifact room, hoping to contact her deceased father. She unknowingly unleashes Annabelle, who begins to awaken the other cursed objects and spirits in the room.
The night becomes a terrifying ordeal as Judy, Mary Ellen, and Daniela face horrifying encounters with malevolent spirits summoned by Annabelle, including the Ferryman, the Bride, and other supernatural entities. They must work together to seal Annabelle back in her case before the evil consumes them.
Key Themes:
- Family and Responsibility: The bond between Judy and her parents, as well as her bravery in confronting evil, is a central theme.
- Grief and Guilt: Daniela’s motivations stem from her unresolved grief over her father’s death.
- Courage and Redemption: The characters face their fears and grow stronger through the ordeal.
Horror Elements:
- The movie emphasizes atmospheric scares and suspense over gore.
- Annabelle serves as a conduit for summoning a variety of spirits, making the film a supernatural anthology of sorts within a single setting.
- The haunted artifacts room becomes a chilling centerpiece, with each cursed object having its own eerie story.
Reception:
The film received mixed-to-positive reviews. Critics praised its performances, particularly Mckenna Grace’s portrayal of Judy, and its blend of scares and heartfelt moments. While it lacked the intense terror of its predecessors, it was appreciated for its exploration of the Warren family dynamic and its lighter tone.
If you enjoy supernatural horror with a blend of suspense and emotional depth, Annabelle Comes Home offers a unique entry into The Conjuring Universe.
