We use ads to keep this site running, so please consider disabling your ad blocker. Thank you!
Do not know how to disable ad blocker? Check out this article: How to disable ad blocker?
Directed by
Corin Hardy
Made by
Warner Bros.
Discover the intricate plot of The Nun (2018). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Set in 1952 at the Carta Monastery in Romania, the unsettling tale begins with two nuns making their way down a shadowy hallway toward a door ominously marked “God ends here.” The elder nun ventures through the door in search of a mysterious artifact, while the younger nun, Sister Victoria, portrayed by Charlotte Hope, envelops herself in prayer. The atmosphere quickly shifts when the elder nun returns grievously injured, urging Victoria to flee before she is pulled back into the darkness. As dread fills her heart, Victoria, armed only with a key, is confronted by the sinister demon nun, Valak, embodied by Bonnie Aarons, and makes the heart-wrenching decision to take her own life.
Some time afterward, her decayed body is discovered by Frenchie, a character played by Jonas Bloquet. The Vatican learns of Victoria’s tragic end, categorizing it as an ultimate sin that demands further investigation. They summon Father Anthony Burke (played by Demián Bichir) to delve into this mystery, enlisting the help of a novice nun, Sister Irene, represented by Taissa Farmiga, who currently teaches young girls. The three of them set out to uncover the dark secrets of the abbey where Victoria was found.
Upon arriving at the abbey, they discover troubling signs—Frenchie finds Victoria’s body positioned in a way that raises alarm, and a key clutched in her fingers. They give her a proper burial but face numerous obstacles, including a persistent feeling of dread. During their search, Burke recalls a haunting incident involving a possessed boy named Daniel (played by August Maturo) that continues to burden him with guilt.
As the night unfolds, Burke has a harrowing experience that leads him to a coffin while Irene grapples with her own visions of Valak. These visions unearth a troubling connection between their current plight and the tragic past of the abbey. Sister Oana (portrayed by Ingrid Bisu) elucidates Valak’s origins, revealing that the demon was summoned during the Dark Ages by a duke with malicious intentions, but was temporarily trapped due to the actions of others.
In a tense moment, the three protagonists confront the dark forces that lurk within the abbey, only to realize that Victoria’s sacrifice was meant to thwart Valak from claiming her body. They venture into the catacombs, guided by the phrase “Mary points the way,” ultimately leading them to the critical artifact containing the blood of Christ. However, as they gear up for their final confrontation with Valak, tensions rise. Burke reads about the demon’s true name, adding another layer of complexity to their mission.
In an action-packed climax, Valak attempts to overpower Irene, while Burke faces the embodiment of his past fears. With quick thinking and resolve, the trio perseveres, using the blood to repel Valak and seal the rift that unleashed such terror.
As the dust settles and they emerge from the shadows of the abbey, Irene discovers Frenchie’s true name, Maurice, and an unsettling marking on his neck hints at dark consequences yet to unfold. The film draws to a close by connecting back to the present through a scene from the first “Conjuring” film, where Carolyn Perron (played by Lili Taylor) attends a seminar led by Ed and Lorraine Warren (portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga). Their intertwined fates echo the broader saga of Valak, indicating that the horrors are far from over.
Track the key events of The Nun (2018) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Nuns at the Carta Monastery
In 1952, two nuns begin their journey through the shadowy hallways of the Carta Monastery in Romania. They approach a door ominously marked 'God ends here,' foreboding the horrors that lie ahead.
The Elder Nun's Fate
The elder nun ventures through the door in search of a mysterious artifact, but upon her return, she is grievously injured. Her urgency to warn Sister Victoria to flee plunges the atmosphere into dread.
Sister Victoria's Tragic Decision
With dread overwhelming her, Sister Victoria confronts the sinister demon nun, Valak. In a heart-wrenching moment, she chooses to take her own life to escape the clutches of evil.
Discovery of Victoria's Body
Some time later, Frenchie discovers Sister Victoria’s decayed body in the monastery. The discovery sets off a chain of events that draws attention from the Vatican due to the nature of her death.
Investigation by the Vatican
The Vatican categorizes Sister Victoria's death as an ultimate sin, prompting an investigation into the events. They enlist Father Anthony Burke and a novice nun, Sister Irene, to look into the matter.
Arriving at the Abbey
Burke, Irene, and Frenchie arrive at the abbey where Victoria was found. They discover disturbing signs, such as Victoria’s body positioned unnaturally and a key clenched in her hand.
Burke's Haunted Past
During their investigation, Burke recalls a haunting incident involving a possessed boy named Daniel. The burden of this guilt weighs heavily on him, complicating their mission.
Confronting Visions of Valak
As night falls, Sister Irene experiences terrifying visions of Valak, revealing that her connection to the demon runs deeper than she initially understood. These visions hint at dark secrets within the abbey.
Unveiling Valak's Origins
Sister Oana explains Valak's history, detailing how the demon was summoned during the Dark Ages. This revelation sheds light on the ongoing evil they now face and the significance of Victoria's sacrifice.
The Search for the Artifact
The trio ventures into the catacombs guided by the phrase 'Mary points the way.' They seek an artifact believed to contain the blood of Christ, which could be their only hope against Valak.
Facing Valak
In a climactic confrontation, Valak tries to overpower Irene while Burke battles his deepest fears. Their resolve and quick thinking become crucial in their fight against the dark force.
Sealing the Rift
With the power of the blood of Christ, the trio manages to repel Valak and seal the rift that unleashed chaos in the abbey. This moment marks a victory but leaves lingering questions about the future.
Revelation of Frenchie's Name
As the events conclude, Sister Irene uncovers Frenchie’s true name, Maurice. An unsettling marking on his neck suggests that the darkness may have consequences that have yet to unfold.
Connection to The Conjuring
The film closes by connecting to the events of the first Conjuring film. Carolyn Perron attends a seminar led by Ed and Lorraine Warren, hinting that the horrors related to Valak are far from over.
Meet the characters that bring The Nun (2018) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Sister Victoria (Charlotte Hope)
Sister Victoria is portrayed as a deeply spiritual character who grapples with her faith amidst unfolding horror. Her tragic fate serves as a catalyst for the events that follow, marking her as a figure of sacrifice and resolute bravery. Victoria's inner conflict becomes emblematic of the struggle against dark forces that threaten the sanctity of the abbey.
Valak (Bonnie Aarons)
Valak is a primary antagonist in the film, presenting a terrifying persona that embodies fear and evil. This demon nun is characterized by her relentless pursuit of destruction and manipulation of the characters' fears. Valak's sinister presence serves as a haunting reminder of the darkness that lurks in both the abbey and human nature.
Father Burke (Demián Bichir)
Father Burke is a seasoned priest burdened by past guilt and tragedy, dedicated to revealing the truth behind the supernatural events. His character is marked by determination and a profound sense of responsibility, as he confronts both the darkness within the abbey and in his own heart. Burke's journey is not just physical but deeply psychological.
Sister Irene (Taissa Farmiga)
Sister Irene is portrayed as a novice with strong intuition and a pivotal role in the investigation of dark forces. She navigates her own fears and visions, showcasing growth throughout the film as she comes to terms with her abilities. Irene exhibits strength and grace under pressure, embodying themes of courage in the face of evil.
Frenchie (Jonas Bloquet)
Frenchie is a crucial character who unintentionally becomes immersed in the unfolding horror. His character presents a blend of bravery and vulnerability, as he grapples with the terrifying events around him. Frenchie's discovery of Sister Victoria’s body ignites the journey into uncovering the sinister happenings linked to the abbey.
Uncover the settings of The Nun (2018), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1952
The year 1952 was marked by a post-war recovering Europe, with lingering effects of World War II still evident. This period saw the rise of various cultural movements as nations grappled with their identities. In particular, the growing interest in the supernatural and spiritual phenomena began to surface, influencing art and film, as exemplified in this chilling tale.
Location
Carta Monastery, Romania
The Carta Monastery, located in Romania, is known for its serene yet eerie ambiance that sets the perfect backdrop for supernatural tales. Surrounded by dramatic landscapes, this historical site marks a place of both worship and dark secrets. The monastery's ancient walls echo stories of past events, creating an unsettling atmosphere that remains steeped in mystery.
Explore the core themes of The Nun (2018). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
👻
Supernatural Horror
The film delves deep into the realm of supernatural horror, examining the conflict between good and evil through the lens of demonic possession. It explores the fear and consequences of confronting dark forces, particularly seen in the sacrifices made by characters like Sister Victoria. This theme is pervasive and serves to unearth deeper moral and spiritual questions.
⚔️
Sacrifice
Sacrifice is a central theme in the narrative, particularly illustrated through Sister Victoria's tragic decision to end her own life. This act is portrayed as a desperate attempt to thwart the demon Valak, highlighting the lengths individuals will go to protect others. The film explores how sacrifice can echo through time, impacting the lives of others long after.
🌌
Dark Secrets
The theme of dark secrets underlies the entire storyline, compelling the characters to uncover the truth behind the abbey's past. It reflects on how hidden histories can have dire consequences, manifesting in horrific encounters. The characters' journeys are shaped by their efforts to reveal these secrets, battling both physical and spiritual challenges.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.