Dark Nuns Movie Review: This horror flick is filled with clichés but is elevated by fantastic performances
Dark Nuns Movie Review: Critics Rating: 3.0 stars, click to give your rating/review,‘Dark Nuns’ offers little to set itself apart from typical exorcism-themed films, relying on familia
Critic's Rating: 3.0/5
Story: Two nuns decide to perform an exorcism on a young boy despite strong opposition from the Catholic Church priests.
Review: ‘Dark Nuns’ offers little to set itself apart from typical exorcism-themed films, relying on familiar tropes. William Friedkin’s cult classic ‘The Exorcist’ recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and continues to define the genre, with no film truly breaking the framework it established. A spin-off of the hit Korean film ‘The Priests,’ ‘Dark Nuns’ follows a predictable path, but strong performances ensure that viewers are invested in the events. The film delves into themes of sacrifice and inner resilience, adding some depth to its otherwise conventional narrative. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it delivers enough tension and atmosphere to hold your attention.
The film follows young Hee Joon (Moon Woo Jin), who becomes possessed by an evil spirit. Father Paolo (Lee Jin Wook) believes that medical intervention, rather than exorcism, is the right path to save the boy. However, Sister Junia (Song Hye Kyo), unwavering in her faith, is convinced otherwise. Determined to perform the forbidden exorcism ritual, she enlists the reluctant Sister Michaela (Jeon Yeo Been), a novice nun, who initially doubts her methods. As the exorcism unfolds, they face a series of terrifying events and ultimately uncover a sinister secret buried within the convent. What begins as a desperate attempt to save a child soon turns into a chilling battle between faith, doubt, and an ancient evil.
While the film succeeds in delivering chills, much of its impact comes from its fabulous cinematography. The dark, atmospheric setting and imposing architecture create an eerie backdrop, relying on tension rather than traditional jump scares. The horror emerges from its unsettling ambiance rather than sudden shocks. What truly elevates the film, however, are the exceptional performances by Song Hye Kyo and Jeon Yeo Been. Song Hye Kyo delivers a commanding portrayal of Sister Junia, a nun whose impending mortality makes her fearless. She defies conventional portrayals by smoking, cursing, and challenging authority, breaking stereotypes associated with nuns on screen. In contrast, Jeon Yeo Been’s Sister Michaela is young, hesitant, and far more fearful, providing a striking counterbalance. Together, their performances anchor the film, making it a decent watch despite its familiar premise.
While the plot isn’t ground-breaking, it does bring a fresh twist by featuring two nuns performing an exorcism together—an uncommon thing in the genre. Unlike many exorcism films, it avoids exploring their interpersonal conflicts or diving into gender politics (which the film gives space to). The filmmakers could have easily created tension between the two, but instead, they establish their teamwork from the outset. However, beyond this unique element, the film doesn’t push the boundaries of horror. It treads familiar ground without introducing anything truly novel. Had the filmmakers developed the characters and added a fresh perspective to the narrative, it could have been a far more compelling experience.
Review: ‘Dark Nuns’ offers little to set itself apart from typical exorcism-themed films, relying on familiar tropes. William Friedkin’s cult classic ‘The Exorcist’ recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and continues to define the genre, with no film truly breaking the framework it established. A spin-off of the hit Korean film ‘The Priests,’ ‘Dark Nuns’ follows a predictable path, but strong performances ensure that viewers are invested in the events. The film delves into themes of sacrifice and inner resilience, adding some depth to its otherwise conventional narrative. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it delivers enough tension and atmosphere to hold your attention.
The film follows young Hee Joon (Moon Woo Jin), who becomes possessed by an evil spirit. Father Paolo (Lee Jin Wook) believes that medical intervention, rather than exorcism, is the right path to save the boy. However, Sister Junia (Song Hye Kyo), unwavering in her faith, is convinced otherwise. Determined to perform the forbidden exorcism ritual, she enlists the reluctant Sister Michaela (Jeon Yeo Been), a novice nun, who initially doubts her methods. As the exorcism unfolds, they face a series of terrifying events and ultimately uncover a sinister secret buried within the convent. What begins as a desperate attempt to save a child soon turns into a chilling battle between faith, doubt, and an ancient evil.
While the film succeeds in delivering chills, much of its impact comes from its fabulous cinematography. The dark, atmospheric setting and imposing architecture create an eerie backdrop, relying on tension rather than traditional jump scares. The horror emerges from its unsettling ambiance rather than sudden shocks. What truly elevates the film, however, are the exceptional performances by Song Hye Kyo and Jeon Yeo Been. Song Hye Kyo delivers a commanding portrayal of Sister Junia, a nun whose impending mortality makes her fearless. She defies conventional portrayals by smoking, cursing, and challenging authority, breaking stereotypes associated with nuns on screen. In contrast, Jeon Yeo Been’s Sister Michaela is young, hesitant, and far more fearful, providing a striking counterbalance. Together, their performances anchor the film, making it a decent watch despite its familiar premise.
While the plot isn’t ground-breaking, it does bring a fresh twist by featuring two nuns performing an exorcism together—an uncommon thing in the genre. Unlike many exorcism films, it avoids exploring their interpersonal conflicts or diving into gender politics (which the film gives space to). The filmmakers could have easily created tension between the two, but instead, they establish their teamwork from the outset. However, beyond this unique element, the film doesn’t push the boundaries of horror. It treads familiar ground without introducing anything truly novel. Had the filmmakers developed the characters and added a fresh perspective to the narrative, it could have been a far more compelling experience.
