I have extremely strong feelings about the modern age of horror films. It is because of this that I was hesitant to watch any of the Conjuring movies. However, I saw Annabelle: Creation in the theater, and I enjoyed it very much. That being said, I just recently watched the original Annabelle movie and, while it does have some plot issues, the atmosphere and tone have a genuinely creepy feel that will give you chills.
Annabelle is the story of a married couple who experience supernatural occurrences involving a vintage doll. One of the major elements I enjoy about the film is how traumatizing these supernatural events are for this couple. It is affecting their marriage so much that they seek out guidance from an occult librarian and a priest. This is a horrifying journey for these characters, and you feel that horror every step of the way. However, there are a number of plot holes do hinder the film. Early on in the film we learn that John Form (Ward Horton) is in medical school. However, we have not seen any prior evidence of this, and it feels forced that they put that in the film. Also, when Mia (Annabelle Wallis) receives the Annabelle doll as a gift, she reacts with phrases as, "I can't believe you found it!". Found it from where??? The box did not even have a label on it!! Later in the film, Mia talks to John about certain things she discussed with Father Perez (Tony Amendola) in their first meeting. Yet, certain things she says she discussed WERE NOT discussed. Then, at one point in the film John gets a new job but instead of actually seeing a scene that reveals this, it is only merely implied. Also, John and Mia move to different residences a couple of times throughout the film, and yet continue to go to the same church. Perhaps it is just me, but I would attempt to find a church closer to where I live. Also, it seems forced that all of a sudden Mia and Evelyn (Alfre Woodard) are good enough friends that Mia would let Evelyn into her home. They just met a few days ago!!! These plot holes do hinder the film quite a bit, however I also feel that the director, John R. Leonetti, gives such an eerie and creepy feel to the movie that it makes it watchable.
John R. Leonetti is the director of Annabelle. The tone that Leonetti set for this film is the other reason I enjoy this film. I have been openly critical that modern horror films rely too much on gore and jump scares, but Leonetti creates great visual tension with the camera and puts the jump scares in unexpected places. This film is so creepy to watch. He also takes nods from films like The Exorcist and Poltergeist to give the film a classic horror genre vibe. There are two quite memorable sequences in this movie: the elevator scene and the final sequence in Mia and Johns' apartment. The elevator scene is shot in one take, and that makes you feel tense just watching. The final sequence in the apartment also has great long cuts that do not shy away from the horrific things that are happening. The lighting and lack of music in this sequence make is especially scary. This is a solid directorial outing by Leonetti.
Annabelle has a cluster of plot issues. However there is no denying that the tone of this film helps keep it on point, even if it is only by a bit. If you are a fan of the Conjuring film series, or if you are looking for a half decent modern horror film, you should give this movie a chance.
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