The Ring Two – Film Review

Sequel to the cult horror about a videotape that brings death to anyone who watches it. The journalist from the original film destroys the tape but is pursued by the demon that cursed it and who now wants to possess her son. The Japanese director of the original directs this sequel.

The Ring Two, directed by Hideo Nakata, is a horror film that attempts to continue the chilling story established in its predecessor, The Ring. While it has its moments of suspense and eerie atmosphere, the film ultimately falls short of its potential, resulting in a mediocre viewing experience.

The plot picks up after the first film’s events, with Rachel Keller (played by Naomi Watts) and her son Aidan (played by David Dorfman) moving to a small town to escape the horrors of the cursed videotape. However, their peaceful existence is short-lived as Samara, the malevolent spirit from the tape, finds a way to manifest in the real world through Aidan. Rachel must now unravel the secrets surrounding Samara’s origins to save her son and put an end to the curse.

One of the film’s strengths lies in its atmospheric cinematography and sound design. Hideo Nakata, known for his work in the Japanese horror genre, brings his signature style to The Ring Two, creating a dark and foreboding ambiance. The use of shadows, eerie lighting, and unsettling camera angles effectively contribute to the film’s overall creepiness. The soundtrack, composed by Henning Lohner and Martin Tillman, enhances the tension, with haunting melodies and dissonant tones that leave the audience on edge.

Naomi Watts delivers a solid performance as Rachel Keller, convincingly portraying a mother determined to protect her child at any cost. Her commitment to the role helps to anchor the film amidst its shortcomings. David Dorfman, reprising his role as Aidan, brings a sense of vulnerability to the character, capturing the audience’s sympathy as he becomes increasingly entangled in Samara’s web of terror.

However, the film’s biggest downfall lies in its narrative execution. The Ring Two fails to build upon the intriguing mythology established in the first film, instead resorting to clichéd horror tropes and predictable plot twists. The pacing is uneven, with the first act being particularly slow and filled with unnecessary subplots that detract from the main story. The scares are also disappointingly formulaic, relying heavily on jump scares and loud noises rather than genuine psychological terror.

Moreover, the character development feels shallow and underdeveloped. While Rachel’s desperation to save her son is understandable, the motivations and actions of the supporting cast often seem contrived and inconsistent. The lack of depth in the characters undermines the audience’s investment in their fates, making it difficult to truly care about their well-being.

The film also suffers from a lackluster screenplay. The dialogue feels forced and at times clichéd, with characters delivering exposition-heavy lines that disrupt the immersion. The attempts at incorporating emotional depth and thematic resonance fall flat, as the script fails to delve into the psychological implications of the curse or explore the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. Instead, The Ring Two relies on superficial scares and cheap thrills, sacrificing substance for cheap shocks.

Another aspect that disappoints is the portrayal of Samara herself. In the first film, Samara was a haunting presence, her presence seeping into every frame. However, in The Ring Two, her character loses much of its potency. The eerie mystique surrounding her is diminished, as she is reduced to a more conventional horror antagonist. The film relies on graphic imagery and special effects to depict her malevolence, detracting from the subtler and more effective scares of the original.

The Ring Two, directed by Hideo Nakata, is a lackluster sequel that fails to live up to the chilling legacy of its predecessor. While it boasts atmospheric cinematography and committed performances, the film suffers from a weak narrative, predictable scares, and underdeveloped characters. It lacks the psychological depth and nuanced storytelling that made the first film so memorable. While it may provide some brief moments of entertainment for fans of the horror genre, The Ring Two ultimately falls short of its potential and can only be regarded as a middling entry in the franchise.