How a 2018 horror film became the highest-grossing entry in a massive supernatural franchise
In short: The Nun arrived in 2018 as a spiritual spin-off to The Conjuring 2, quickly shattering box office records for its universe. Despite mixed critical reception, the film’s gothic atmosphere and demonic antagonist, Valak, captivated global audiences, proving that even a low-budget horror project could dominate the worldwide cinematic landscape.
Directed by Corin Hardy and produced by James Wan, The Nun serves as a prequel to The Conjuring series, exploring the origins of the demonic entity Valak. Set in 1952 Romania, the plot follows a priest and a novitiate nun investigating a mysterious suicide at Saint Cartha's monastery. The production utilized authentic locations, including the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest and Corvin Castle, to craft its gothic aesthetic. Filming concluded in June 2017 after 38 days, with the director even having the set blessed by a priest.
The film’s financial performance was significant, grossing $366 million worldwide against a production budget of only $22 million. It debuted to $53.8 million in the United States and Canada, marking the best opening figure of the franchise at the time. Deadline Hollywood estimated the net profit at $155 million. While it held the title of the highest-grossing film in the franchise for years, it was eventually surpassed by The Conjuring: Last Rites in 2025.
Critical response was polarized, with a 24% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics like Ben Kenigsberg and Matthew Rozsa pointed to inconsistent narrative logic and an over-reliance on jump scares. Conversely, some reviewers appreciated the film's atmospheric ambition. The movie also sparked unique discussions regarding its theological themes, with some religious commentators noting its depiction of the battle between good and evil, while others questioned the film's internal logic regarding spiritual protection.
The film’s legacy is cemented by its role in the broader Conjuring universe. It established a chronological foundation for the series, with producer Peter Safran noting that the team maintained a board to track the timeline of these interconnected stories. The character of Valak, portrayed by Bonnie Aarons, became a horror icon, leading to a 2023 sequel, The Nun II, which continued the narrative threads established in the original film.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: The Nun (2018 film)
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