The film is the third instalment in the Annabelle series and the seventh instalment in the popular ‘Conjuring Universe’ franchise.
However, the concept presented doesn’t follow the regular pattern of the franchise in investigating paranormal activities by Ed and Loraine Warren (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga), instead it sees all the unholy possessions in their home unleashed.
It surrounds the possessed doll which is once again on the loose, wreaking havoc. This time it targets Judy (played by Mckenna Grace), the 10-year-old daughter of the Warrens, and her young baby sitters.
It is a simple teen horror story and the distinguishable elements of the diehard haunted nature of the franchise are missing. It is obvious that producers, Warner Brothers, wanted to test what scares people the most from the possessions coming to life so they can build on it in their other new projects.
The question is: is the movie deconstructing or reconstructing The Conjuring franchise?
I hope there is much more to come and more stories to tell and hopefully director and writer Gary Dauberman will take over the new projects as well because he has a futuristic vision – it is clear that he doesn’t really care about the foundation of The Conjuring and is more interested in giving it a new life.
The film opens with the Warrens bringing the doll home and locking it up in their basement, along with a host of other creepy memorabilia from their infamous cases.
The room is packed with unholy stuff waiting to come out.
Their daughter Judy is with babysitter Mary Ellen (played by Madison Iseman) and all is well until her bestie Daniela (played by Katie Sarife) starts touching everything to find some connection with her dead father.
Performance-wise, Mckenna does a fine job with her restrained acting even during the most horrific turn of events, and the rest of the cast play along well.
Farmiga and Wilson have limited screen time, but with so much nonstop action their absence is hardly felt.
Annabelle Comes Home is being screened at Oasis Juffair, Vox Cineco City Centre, Seef Cineplex, Saar Cineplex, Wadi Al Sail, Mukta A2 and Vox The Avenues.