"Spell 2" is an American mystical horror film, partially based on real events. The film is a sequel to "Spells", which was released in 2013. The director of both paintings was James Van, well-known to thriller and horror fans with his blood-chilling Saw, Dead Silence, and Astral. The main roles in the film were played by Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Madison Woolf and Francis O'Connor.
Production
After the commercial success of the film, active work on the sequel began. The plot of "Spells 2", as in the first part, is partially based on a real story from the life of paranormal researchers Ed and Lorraine Warren. The events described in the film are known as the Endfilter Poltergeist.
In 2014, Chad Hayes began work on the script for Spells 2. Actors Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga already in July 2013 signed a contract to participate in the film. In October 2014, it was decided that James Wang would stage the sequel.
In July 2015, lead actors Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga visited Lorraine Warren to learn more about the events in Anfield and to better understand their characters. In September of that year, Francis O'Connor, Madison Wolfe and Simon McBurney joined the project. Other cast members of Spell 2 were approved in late September. Then shooting began in California.
Most of the filming took place in London. Several scenes were shot in California.
"Spell 2": actors
What is worth saying? Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, the main actors of "Spells 2", have long gained worldwide fame. Vera Farmiga worked on films such as The Departed, The Child of Darkness, and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. Patrick Wilson is the star of the films "Fort Alamo", "Guardians" and "Passengers".
Australian actress Francis O'Connor, who previously starred mainly in melodramas, dramas and comedies, got the role of Peggy Hodgson, a single mother whose family is attacked by otherworldly forces.
The role of the girl possessed by the evil spirit, Janet Hodgson, was chosen by actress Madison Woolf, who previously worked on films such as On the Road, Dirty Campaign for Fair Elections, and The Coming of the Devil.
Another star of the film “Spell 2” (2016) - the German actress Franka Potente, known to film fans for the horror film “Creep”, the action movie “Identification of Bourne” and the thriller “Run, Lola, Run”, played the role of Anita Gregory in the film.
For Lauren Esposito, who played the role of Margaret Hodgson, the debut in the big movie was "Spell 2". Actors benjamin haig and Patrick Macauli also had no film experience before.
Simon McBurney played the role of Maurice Gross, a specialist trying to rid the house of supernatural powers.
Bonnie Aarons, star of the films "Mulholland Drive" and "Take Me to Hell", played the role of the demon Valak.
The last to join the cast was a young American actress Sterling Jerins, who played the daughter of Judy Warren.
Plot
Demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren travel to Anfield - the outskirts of London, nicknamed the "English Amityville." They are trying to help Peggy Hodgon and her four children cope with the evil spirit that lives in their house. Researchers will have to figure out exactly what the vengeful ghost, spirit or demon dwells in the house, and most importantly, how to save the youngest daughter Hodgson Janet from him, who is attacked by otherworldly forces more than other family members.
Reviews What do viewers say?
Cinema reviews were mostly positive on Spell 2, a rarity for a horror movie. In her review of The Hollywood Reporter, Sheri Linden praised the film, writing: “Three years after the first“ Spell ”shook theaters with the skill of the old-school horror, director James Van provided the audience with an excellent sequel.”
Film critic Jacob Wilkins of The Cavalier Daily also spoke positively of the film, calling Wang the “master of horror,” and noting that the film Spell 2 (2016) turned out to be “fresh, original, and disturbing.”
Pete Hammond of Deadline.com wrote that he was “pleasantly surprised” by the sequel.
Box office
Like its predecessor, "Spell 2" has become a real commercial hit. With a budget of 40 million, the film raised $ 102 million in box office in the US and Canada, and 218 million in other countries of the world, that is, the box office amounted to $ 320 million. In the entire history of cinema, only one horror film has collected at the box office a large sum - "Exorcist" (1973). Not surprisingly, with such commercial success, director James Van plans to stage the third installment of The Spell. But, when exactly the filming process begins, is not yet known.