In the spine-chilling realm of the Conjuring franchise, where supernatural horrors lurk in the shadows, The Nun II has just landed in theaters, and it’s gripping audiences with its terrifying narrative. One of the standout moments from this sequel is a heart-pounding sequence involving a newsstand that teases the demon Valak’s sinister intentions. In a recent interview with FilmSweep’s Perri Nemiroff, director Michael Chaves, the mastermind behind this hair-raising scene, divulged his creative process and the inspiration that brought it to life.
Chaves, known for his ingenious approach to horror, drew inspiration from French street photography from the 1950s, particularly the work of René Maltête. This style of photography employed visual tricks, all captured in-camera, which immediately resonated with Chaves. He envisioned a scenario where the malevolent presence of the Nun, played by Bonnie Aarons, would manifest within the environment, and his eyes settled on an old newsstand as the perfect vessel.
“I was looking at all this street photography from France in the ‘50s, and there was, I think it was René Maltête, he’s a French photographer, and he’d do this visual kind of trickery with his photos, but it was all in camera, and I just thought it would be cool if the Nun was manifesting in the environment. And then I would see these old newsstands, and so I had this idea. I was like, ‘I want the Nun to appear within a newsstand.'”
But Chaves didn’t stop there; he delved deeper into the concept, envisioning a mesmerizing visual spectacle that would leave audiences breathless. He explained, “And I was thinking, ‘Maybe it’s like a flip book. Maybe it’s like each magazine is like a flip book, and then it’s a collage, and they’re all kind of coming together…We should print all these magazines and then mechanically rig them all to turn, and we blow some with wind, and then some of them are a little bit more controlled.’ And that got us, like, 50% of the way there.”
However, as with any ambitious project, challenges emerged during filming. Mechanical failures plagued the set, and the filmmakers found themselves battling the elements while shooting at night. Chaves candidly admitted, “But then some of the mechanical rigging would break, and we were shooting at night. It was like the whole thing was falling apart. It’s like, ‘This will never work!’ So there was some visual effects supplementing it in the end. But it was really a beast. I mean, just from how it would manifest. It was trickier than it looks. [Laughs]”
The dedication and creativity that went into creating this haunting newsstand sequence are a testament to Chaves’ commitment to delivering a spine-chilling experience for audiences. As The Nun II unfolds, viewers are once again thrust into the terrifying world where Valak, the demon who takes the form of a nun, plans its malevolent deeds.
The Conjuring franchise has always intrigued audiences with Valak’s choice to manifest as a nun. According to the human characters in the series, this choice is a deliberate mockery of the faith of its victims. While Sister Irene, portrayed by Taissa Farmiga, leads the charge against this terrifying presence in the spinoff prequels, the main franchise’s heroes, Ed and Lorraine Warren, initially confronted the formidable demon, showcasing its sheer power when left unchecked.
As The Nun II continues to grip audiences in theaters, we can’t help but appreciate the artistry and innovation behind the chilling newsstand sequence. For those who crave the thrill of supernatural horror, this latest installment in the Conjuring universe is a must-see. Don’t miss the full interview with director Michael Chaves on FilmSweep, and while you’re waiting, dive into Samantha Coley’s review of this horror sequel for an even deeper understanding of its sinister allure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Horror Sequel Insight
What inspired the newsstand sequence in ‘The Nun II’?
Director Michael Chaves drew inspiration from 1950s French street photography, particularly the work of René Maltête, known for his in-camera visual tricks.
Were there any challenges during the filming of this sequence?
Yes, the filmmakers encountered mechanical failures and had to deal with the difficulties of shooting at night. Some visual effects were also used to supplement the practical effects.
Why does Valak appear as a nun in the Conjuring franchise?
According to the human characters in the franchise, Valak takes the form of a nun to mock the faith of its victims, adding an extra layer of terror to its presence.
Where can I watch ‘The Nun II’?
‘The Nun II’ is currently playing in theaters, offering a spine-tingling experience for horror enthusiasts.
More about Horror Sequel Insight
- FilmSweep’s Interview with Director Michael Chaves
- Samantha Coley’s Review of ‘The Nun II’
- The Conjuring Franchise
- René Maltête’s French Street Photography
1 comment
wow, luv readin abt da scary nun movie! Dey mst hv had tuf tyms wif da shootin, but it looks cool in da end.