The Nun is one of the most terrifying movies in the Conjuring Universe.
The film, released in 2018, is a prequel to The Conjuring 2, and it follows a priest and a nun who investigate a mysterious and evil force in a Romanian monastery.
But what makes The Nun so scary?
How did the filmmakers create such a horrifying atmosphere and character?
And what are the hidden meanings and references behind the film?
In this article, we will reveal the secrets behind the horror of The Nun.
The Nun’s Origin and Design
The Nun is the human form of Valak, a powerful demon who first appeared in The Conjuring .
Valak is based on a real demon from the Lesser Key of Solomon, a grimoire of demonology from the 17th century.
Valak is described as a child with angel wings who rides on a two-headed dragon.
However, the filmmakers changed Valak’s appearance to make it more frightening and relevant to the story.
The Nun’s design was inspired by a painting of a nun that director James Wan saw in a hotel room.
He thought it was creepy and decided to use it as the basis for Valak’s form.
He also wanted to contrast Valak’s evil nature with the holy image of a nun and to create a connection with Lorraine Warren, who is a devout Catholic.
The Nun’s costume and makeup were carefully crafted to enhance the character’s menace and mystery.
The costume was made of heavy fabric and metal, and it had a hood that covered the face.
The makeup was done by special effects artist Eleanor Sabaduquia, who used prosthetics, contact lenses, and dental appliances to create the Nun’s gaunt and pale features.
She also added veins, scars, and cracks to the skin to make it look aged and decayed.
The Nun’s Setting and Atmosphere
The Nun is set in 1952, in a remote and isolated monastery in Romania.
The monastery was built on the site of a portal to hell, which was opened by a duke who practiced satanic rituals.
The portal was sealed by a group of crusaders, who used a relic containing the blood of Jesus Christ.
However, the portal was reopened by a bomb during World War II, allowing Valak to enter the world and possess the nuns who lived there.
The filmmakers chose Romania as the setting for The Nun because of its rich history and culture, and its connection to Gothic horror.
The filmmakers also wanted to explore a different part of the world than the previous Conjuring films, mostly set in America and England.
They filmed the movie in various locations in Romania, such as the Corvin Castle, the Mogoșoaia Palace, and the Transfăgărășan Highway.
They also used a lot of practical effects, such as fog machines, candles, and torches, to create a dark and eerie atmosphere.
