The Nun (2018) Ending Explained
tl;dr:
The ending of The Nun (2018) reveals that Valak, the demonic entity masquerading as a nun, is not fully defeated despite the efforts of Father Burke, Sister Irene, and Frenchie. The trio performs an exorcism using the blood of Christ, seemingly banishing Valak, but the final scenes show Frenchie being possessed by the demon. The film connects to The Conjuring universe by revealing Frenchie is the same character who later calls Ed and Lorraine Warren for help in The Conjuring 2, setting up Valak's return. The ending leaves the fate of Sister Irene and the abbey unresolved, while hinting at Valak's continued influence.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of The Nun revolves around Father Burke, Sister Irene, and Frenchie attempting to stop Valak, the demonic nun haunting the Cârța Monastery in Romania. After discovering that Valak's power stems from a portal to hell opened centuries ago by a suicidal duke, the trio decides to perform a ritual to seal the portal. Using a vial of the blood of Christ (supplied by the Vatican), Sister Irene recites a prayer while Father Burke holds off the demon. The ritual appears successful - Valak is seemingly vanquished, the abbey collapses, and the three escape alive. However, the victory is short-lived.
In the final moments, Frenchie (real name Maurice Theriault) is shown with a sinister smile, revealing that Valak has possessed him. This twist connects The Nun directly to The Conjuring 2, where Maurice is the man who contacts Ed and Lorraine Warren after being haunted by the same demon. The possession implies that Valak was never truly destroyed and instead found a new host, setting up the events of the larger Conjuring universe. Meanwhile, Sister Irene's fate remains ambiguous-she survives, but it's unclear whether she continues her battle against evil or if Valak still has a hold over her.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
- Is Valak truly defeated?
- No: The possession of Frenchie proves Valak survived and merely changed hosts.
- Partially: The ritual weakened Valak but didn't destroy it entirely.
- What happened to the portal in the abbey?
- Sealed temporarily: The blood of Christ closed it, but demonic energy may linger.
- Still active: Valak's survival suggests the portal might reopen.
- Will Sister Irene return in future films?
- Yes: Her character could reappear in The Conjuring universe as a demon-hunting nun.
- No: Her arc may be complete, leaving her fate to speculation.
- Why did Valak target Frenchie?
- Opportunity: He was the weakest spiritually, making him an easy vessel.
- Strategic: Possessing him ensured Valak's influence would spread beyond the abbey.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
The Nun delivers a chilling but somewhat predictable ending, typical of The Conjuring spin-offs. The possession twist is effective in linking the film to the wider universe, but it undermines the protagonists' victory by revealing their efforts were futile. Taissa Farmiga's performance as Sister Irene is compelling, and the gothic atmosphere of the abbey is visually striking, yet the plot relies too heavily on jump scares rather than sustained tension. The ending succeeds as a setup for future films but feels unsatisfying as a standalone conclusion. Valak remains one of the franchise's most terrifying villains, but The Nun doesn't quite reach the heights of The Conjuring 1 & 2 in terms of storytelling depth.
Final Thoughts
While The Nun provides a serviceable horror experience, its ending is more of a bridge to other films than a definitive resolution. The possession of Frenchie ensures Valak's menace endures, leaving audiences with lingering dread rather than closure. The movie's strengths lie in its eerie setting and strong performances, but its reliance on franchise connections weakens its standalone impact. For fans of The Conjuring universe, the ending is a clever tie-in, but for those seeking a self-contained horror story, it may feel like an unfinished chapter. Valak's story is far from over, and the unanswered questions pave the way for more terrifying sequels.