Annabelle: Creation : Review

Twelve years after the tragic death of their little girl, Bee (Samara Lee – Concussion), dollmaker Samuel Mullins (Anthony LaPaglia) and his wife, Esther (Miranda Otto – I, Frankenstein) welcome a nun, Sister Charlotte (Stephanie Sigman) and several girls from a shuttered orphanage into their home.

Soon the girls become the target of the dollmaker’s possessed creation, Annabelle.

Known to many a horror fan, and movie-goer, Annabelle, the creepy doll possessed by demons, and bringer of dark forces brings audiences an origin story. Much like the other incarnations of the story, this latest outing keeps the story contained to the home of the Mullins. A place that feels like it has deteriorated parallel to the happiness of the family that lives there.

Pertinent to the story, the large house takes on a slightly sinister feel, as Samuel has stopped creating, Esther remains in her bedroom all day, and something dwells in the dark.

As the story unfolds, there is a sense of foreboding that becomes all the more perceptible. However, one would certainly question the choices and actions of many of the younger characters. While they all know The Lord, and are most likely assuming his protection, they tend to gravitate towards the danger that is ever present, instead of moving themselves, as a group, to a place that would afford some safety.

As for visual effects, some do feel slightly apart from the film, not really grounding themselves in the real world shown on screen.

But, let those not be a deterrent. Annabelle: Creation answers many questions about the evil doll, and is certainly an above average horror, entertaining viewers with a plot that is not too complex, filling in events, and likely to make any subsequent views of Annabelle (the original) take on a slightly new dimension.

Some cheap jump-scares, some palpable tension, and story that provides an escape, Annabelle: Creation opens 18 August 2017 in South African cinemas.

 

By Andrew Germishuys

Founder of SAMDB | Actor | Armourer | Tech Enthusiast With over two decades in the film industry, I'm a seasoned actor and skilled armourer. I hold numerous certifications in acting and filmmaking, complemented by degrees and diplomas in IT and technology, giving me a unique blend of creative and technical expertise. When I'm not on set or in the workshop, you'll find me immersed in the world of gaming and VR, fuelling my passion for cutting-edge technology. Connect with me: X / Twitter Facebook Instagram Mastodon Threads Explore my work on SAMDB IMDb