Annabelle: Creation (2017) Movie || Stephanie Sigman, Talitha Bateman, Anthony L || Review and Facts

Introduction

"Annabelle: Creation" is a 2017 American supernatural horror film that serves as a prequel to the 2014 film "Annabelle" and the fourth installment in The Conjuring Universe franchise. Directed by David F. Sandberg, the film features a talented cast including Stephanie Sigman, Talitha Bateman, Lulu Wilson, Anthony Lapaglia, and Miranda Otto. The film delves into the origins of the possessed Annabelle doll.

Synopsis

The story revolves around a dollmaker named Samuel Mullins (Anthony Lapaglia) and his wife Esther (Miranda Otto), who are grieving the loss of their seven-year-old daughter, Annabelle (nicknamed Bee), who dies in a tragic accident. Twelve years later, they decide to open their home to Sister Charlotte (Stephanie Sigman) and six girls who have been left homeless due to the closing of their orphanage. Despite warnings to avoid Bee's locked bedroom, the inquisitive Janice (Talitha Bateman), who is disabled by polio, discovers an eerie porcelain doll in Bee's closet, unwittingly unleashing a powerful demon that begins to terrorize the girls.

As Janice becomes more vulnerable to the demon's influence, she is attacked and possessed. The film escalates as her best friend Linda (Lulu Wilson) tries to protect her and the remaining orphans from the escalating terror. Tension builds throughout the film, ultimately leading to horrifying revelations about the origins of the Annabelle doll and its connection to the Mullins family's tragedy.

Production Insights

"Annabelle: Creation" was confirmed to be in development in October 2015 and was originally intended as a sequel but was later restructured as a prequel. Sandberg, who was brought in to direct after the success of "Lights Out," aimed to create a standalone film that deviated from the original's formulaic horror tropes by relying more on suspense and atmosphere rather than jump scares. The principal photography took place between June and August 2016, and the film premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival on June 19, 2017, before its theatrical release on August 11, 2017.

The movie features a captivating score composed by Benjamin Wallfisch, elevating its psychological tension. The film was produced by New Line Cinema, Atomic Monster, and The Saffron Company, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, with a production budget of $ 15 million. It grossed over $ 36 million worldwide and received generally positive reviews from both critics and audiences, who praised its improvement over its predecessor.

Themes and Reception

While the film certainly contains elements of horror cliché, including eerie atmospheres and supernatural occurrences, it stands out for its character development and the emotional weight given to the Mullins family's tragic backstory. Critics highlight the film’s strong visual language and its effective use of sound and light to build tension.

The consensus among reviewers indicates that "Annabelle: Creation" is a significant step up in quality from the original film, showcasing Sandberg's talent in crafting an engaging horror narrative. Its themes of loss, mourning, and the dangers of invoking dark forces resonate throughout, connecting to the broader themes seen in The Conjuring Universe.

Conclusion

"Annabelle: Creation" successfully adds depth to the creepy doll’s lore, providing both an entertaining horror experience and a story that keeps audiences engaged. With strong performances, particularly from Bateman and Wilson, the film has proven to be a worthy entry in the horror franchise.

Keywords

• Annabelle: Creation
• Stephanie Sigman
• Talitha Bateman
• Anthony Lapaglia
• Horror
• The Conjuring Universe
• Supernatural
• Demon
• Polio
• Dollmaker
• Tragedy
• Orphans
• Possession
• Film Review

FAQ

1. What is "Annabelle: Creation" about?

"Annabelle: Creation" tells the origin story of the possessed Annabelle doll, focusing on a dollmaker and his wife who open their home to a group of orphans after a tragedy strikes their family.

2. Who directed "Annabelle: Creation"?

The film was directed by David F. Sandberg.

3. Who are the main actors in the film?

The main cast includes Stephanie Sigman, Talitha Bateman, Lulu Wilson, Anthony Lapaglia, and Miranda Otto.

4. When was "Annabelle: Creation" released?

It was theatrically released in the United States on August 11, 2017.

5. How did the film perform at the box office?

The film grossed over $ 36 million worldwide against a production budget of $ 15 million.