The Nun 3 (2025) – Detailed Review
😈⛪💀

Overview

The Nun 3 (2025) is the latest chilling chapter in The Conjuring Universe, continuing the terrifying saga of the demonic entity Valak, first introduced in The Conjuring 2 (2016) and given her own spin-off in The Nun (2018). Directed by Michael Chaves, who previously helmed The Curse of La Llorona (2019) and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021), The Nun 3 promises to delve deeper into the horrifying origins of Valak and her reign of terror.

The film is set in 1950s Europe, where a new group of unsuspecting characters become entangled with the malevolent force. As with its predecessors, the film combines supernatural horror with religious symbolism, creating an atmosphere of dread and suspense. The Nun 3 brings back the eerie, atmospheric horror that fans of The Conjuring Universe have come to expect, while also introducing new layers to the mythos surrounding the demon Valak.

Storyline

After the terrifying events of The Nun (2018), the evil presence of Valak has seemingly been vanquished. However, as The Nun 3 unfolds, we discover that the demon’s reach extends far beyond the confines of the abbey in Romania. Set in the early 1950s, the film follows a group of priests, historians, and investigators who are drawn to a remote monastery in Eastern Europe to investigate reports of disturbing events tied to the mysterious deaths of several nuns.

Unbeknownst to them, the demon Valak has found a new host in one of the abbey’s residents—a young girl who becomes the latest vessel for the malevolent spirit. As the group uncovers hidden secrets and religious artifacts buried within the abbey, they begin to realize that they are not alone. The group is relentlessly hunted by Valak, whose powers are stronger than ever before, feeding off fear and sin.

Meanwhile, Sister Irene (played by Taissa Farmiga), who survived the previous film, returns to face Valak once again after learning of the atrocities taking place in the abbey. She teams up with a seasoned exorcist (played by a new cast member, likely a veteran horror actor), hoping to stop Valak once and for all. However, as the team begins to unravel the disturbing history of the abbey, they discover that Valak’s true origins are more tied to the church than they could have ever imagined.

The film builds to a harrowing final confrontation where the fate of the young girl and the lives of the investigators are at stake. The ultimate battle between good and evil takes place in the heart of the monastery, with supernatural forces clashing violently as the group fights for their lives and the soul of the innocent.

Visuals and Atmosphere

As with previous films in The Conjuring Universe, The Nun 3 relies heavily on creating an atmosphere of fear and unease. The film uses dark, gothic imagery and eerie locations, such as the sprawling, decaying monastery, its dark corridors, hidden catacombs, and sacred halls. The imposing architecture and isolation of the setting create a sense of claustrophobic tension that is only heightened by the presence of the demon lurking in the shadows.

The visual effects work to enhance the demonic and supernatural elements, particularly in scenes involving Valak. Her disturbing, grotesque appearance—an unsettling mix of human and monstrous features—remains a central visual threat. In The Nun 3, Valak’s manifestation will likely be even more terrifying, with an emphasis on her ability to manipulate her surroundings, bend reality, and appear in unexpected forms.

The cinematography plays a crucial role in amplifying the tension, using shadows and lighting to heighten the sense of dread. The filmmakers skillfully use low light and long, lingering shots of empty corridors and abandoned rooms, allowing the fear to build slowly before an eruption of terror. This slow-burn approach to horror, where the tension is built through atmosphere rather than gore, is something that fans of the series will recognize and appreciate.

Characters and Performances

The return of Taissa Farmiga as Sister Irene is one of the most exciting aspects of The Nun 3. Sister Irene, who has become one of the central characters in the Conjuring universe, will undoubtedly continue her struggle against Valak. Farmiga’s performance as the courageous, yet vulnerable nun, is sure to carry much of the emotional weight of the film. Her character is not just fighting a demon, but also dealing with her own fears and doubts, which makes her journey all the more compelling.

The new additions to the cast include a team of investigators, historians, and religious figures who provide fresh perspectives on the terrifying events. These characters will serve as both the audience’s guide to the mystery of Valak and as cannon fodder in the inevitable encounters with the demon. Expect one or two characters to have their own personal stakes or backstories, adding depth to the group dynamic and heightening the stakes.

The exorcist played by a seasoned actor is another intriguing addition. His experience in confronting evil spirits brings an added layer of knowledge and tension to the proceedings, especially when paired with Sister Irene’s own prior encounters with Valak. Their relationship will be key to solving the mystery of Valak’s power.

As always, Valak herself remains a haunting and charismatic presence, with a performance that is likely to focus on her chilling ability to manipulate her victims’ fears, as well as the psychological toll she exacts on the characters.

Themes and Direction

The central theme of The Nun 3 revolves around the battle between good and evil, the power of faith, and the enduring consequences of sin. Much like the first two films in The Conjuring Universe, the narrative will explore the themes of religious devotion, sacrifice, and the dark side of spiritual power.

The concept of fear plays a significant role, with Valak feeding off the terror of the characters. The film likely delves deeper into the psychology of fear—how it can take root and distort perception, leading characters to question their own beliefs and sanity. The sense of isolation in the monastery intensifies the fear, as the characters realize they are alone in a place where evil has taken root.

The direction by Michael Chaves, who has proven adept at building atmosphere and tension in his previous horror projects, will keep the focus on slow, creeping dread, punctuated by shocking moments of terror. While there will likely be jump scares, Chaves is known for his more cerebral approach to horror, keeping audiences on edge by making them feel like they’re never truly safe, even in broad daylight.

Sound and Music

The sound design in The Nun 3 will likely be one of the film’s most effective tools for creating a sense of dread. From the creaking doors of the abbey to the whispers in the dark, every sound will contribute to the unnerving atmosphere. Silence will be just as important as the noises, with moments of eerie quiet before sudden, terrifying actions.

The score, composed by Joseph Bishara (who has worked on other films in The Conjuring Universe), will likely continue the ominous, haunting tones that have become synonymous with these films. Expect a mix of low, rumbling bass notes and sharp, shrill strings that will heighten the sense of unease throughout the film.

Conclusion

The Nun 3 (2025) promises to be a return to the roots of gothic horror, with its eerie atmosphere, chilling visual effects, and terrifying confrontation between good and evil. With Sister Irene returning to face the demonic entity Valak once again, fans can expect a tense, emotionally charged horror film that explores the depths of fear and the unrelenting power of evil.

For fans of The Conjuring Universe, this film will offer both a continuation of the franchise’s overarching mythology and a fresh, terrifying perspective on the demon Valak’s origins. Expect heart-stopping suspense, spine-tingling visuals, and an unrelenting sense of dread as The Nun 3 delivers its most horrifying chapter yet.