Review: Annabelle 4: The Awakening (2025) – A New Chapter of Terror

The cursed doll returns in Annabelle 4: The Awakening, bringing fresh nightmares and an eerie new storyline that expands The Conjuring Universe. This time, the evil force within Annabelle reaches an unprecedented level of terror, proving once again why she remains one of the most horrifying icons in modern horror cinema.

Plot Overview

Set in the late 1980s, Annabelle 4: The Awakening follows a young priest-in-training, Father Daniel, who is assigned to investigate a small convent in rural Italy, where strange occurrences have been reported. The nuns believe they are being haunted by a demonic presence, but they have no idea that Annabelle has found her way into their sacred halls.

As Father Daniel and a determined paranormal investigator, Dr. Evelyn Moore, dig deeper into the mystery, they uncover the horrifying truth: Annabelle is no longer just a cursed doll—she is a vessel for something even darker. When the demonic entity fully awakens, the convent turns into a nightmarish battleground, forcing them to confront pure evil in its most terrifying form.

What Works

✅ Creepy Atmosphere & Chilling Set Pieces – The film masterfully builds suspense, using eerie convent hallways, candlelit chambers, and disturbing visions to create a claustrophobic horror experience.
✅ A Darker and More Intense Annabelle – Unlike previous films, this installment explores Annabelle’s origins even further, revealing shocking new lore about the entity controlling her.
✅ Strong Performances – The cast, particularly the lead exorcist and investigator duo, deliver convincing performances that elevate the film beyond typical jump scares.
✅ Connections to The Conjuring Universe – There are subtle ties to The Nun and The Conjuring films, hinting at a larger, more sinister force at play.

What Falls Short

❌ Overuse of Jump Scares – While effective, some scares feel predictable, relying too much on sudden loud noises instead of psychological horror.
❌ Familiar Formula – The film sticks closely to The Conjuring franchise blueprint, making it feel somewhat predictable for long-time fans.
❌ Lack of Originality – While entertaining, it doesn’t introduce many groundbreaking elements that set it apart from previous Annabelle films.

Final Verdict

Annabelle 4: The Awakening delivers another terrifying chapter in The Conjuring Universe, packed with eerie visuals, spine-chilling moments, and deeper mythology surrounding the infamous doll. While it doesn’t reinvent the formula, it successfully keeps the tension high and expands Annabelle’s terrifying legacy.

⭐ Rating: 7.5/10 – A solid horror sequel with plenty of scares but a familiar structure.