The Conjuring 2
Lorraine and Ed Warren travel to north London to help a single mother raising four children alone in a house plagued by malicious spirits.
Despite a moderate budget of $40.0M, The Conjuring 2 became a commercial juggernaut, earning $322.8M worldwide—a remarkable 707% return.
4 wins & 13 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
The Conjuring 2 (2016) showcases carefully calibrated plot construction, characteristic of James Wan's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 13-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 14 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.5, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Lorraine experiences a traumatic vision during the Amityville investigation, seeing Ed impaled. The Warrens are established as paranormal investigators, but Lorraine's visions are taking a psychological toll.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 16 minutes when Janet is possessed by Bill Wilkins, an elderly man who died in the house. The poltergeist activity escalates dramatically, terrifying the Hodgson family and attracting media attention.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 33 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This indicates the protagonist's commitment to Despite her fears, Lorraine agrees to go to London with Ed. They choose to face the danger together, crossing into the investigation that will test their faith and marriage., moving from reaction to action.
At 67 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat Lorraine discovers through her visions that the entity haunting them is the demon Valak, disguised as a nun. However, a video surfaces suggesting Janet faked the possession, casting doubt on the entire case. False defeat: they seem to have evidence, but it's undermined., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 101 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Janet is fully possessed and nearly killed, thrown toward a window. The family is in mortal danger. The Warrens are away, having seemingly failed. The "whiff of death"—Janet could die, and the case seems lost., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 107 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. The Warrens return to the Hodgson house for the final confrontation. Ed saves Janet from falling while Lorraine banishes Valak by commanding it by name. Faith, love, and their bond triumph over the demon. The family is freed., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Conjuring 2's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 13 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping The Conjuring 2 against these established plot points, we can identify how James Wan utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Conjuring 2 within the horror genre.
James Wan's Structural Approach
Among the 10 James Wan films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, reflecting strong command of classical structure. The Conjuring 2 takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete James Wan filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional horror films include Lake Placid, A Nightmare on Elm Street and Cat's Eye. For more James Wan analyses, see Furious 7, Dead Silence and Death Sentence.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Lorraine experiences a traumatic vision during the Amityville investigation, seeing Ed impaled. The Warrens are established as paranormal investigators, but Lorraine's visions are taking a psychological toll.
Theme
A priest or colleague questions the Warrens about their faith and whether what they do is worth the cost. The theme of faith versus doubt, and whether belief can protect them, is introduced.
Worldbuilding
The Warrens testify about Amityville, face skepticism from the church and media. In London, the Hodgson family struggles with poverty and a single mother raising four children. Janet begins experiencing paranormal activity.
Disruption
Janet is possessed by Bill Wilkins, an elderly man who died in the house. The poltergeist activity escalates dramatically, terrifying the Hodgson family and attracting media attention.
Resistance
Lorraine is haunted by her vision of Ed's death and wants to stop investigating. Ed tries to reassure her. The Church asks them to go to London to investigate the Enfield case. Lorraine resists, fearing for Ed's safety.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Despite her fears, Lorraine agrees to go to London with Ed. They choose to face the danger together, crossing into the investigation that will test their faith and marriage.
Mirror World
The Warrens meet the Hodgson family, particularly Peggy and Janet. This family in crisis becomes the mirror for the Warrens' own relationship—showing what faith, love, and protection mean in the face of evil.
Premise
The Warrens investigate the Enfield haunting, documenting evidence and bonding with the family. Classic haunted house scares and investigations. Ed comforts Janet with Elvis, showing paternal warmth. Lorraine continues seeing the demonic nun.
Midpoint
Lorraine discovers through her visions that the entity haunting them is the demon Valak, disguised as a nun. However, a video surfaces suggesting Janet faked the possession, casting doubt on the entire case. False defeat: they seem to have evidence, but it's undermined.
Opposition
The Warrens are forced to leave as skeptics discredit the case. The Hodgson family is left unprotected and the haunting intensifies. Janet's possession worsens. Valak's presence grows stronger. The Warrens struggle with doubt about their mission.
Collapse
Janet is fully possessed and nearly killed, thrown toward a window. The family is in mortal danger. The Warrens are away, having seemingly failed. The "whiff of death"—Janet could die, and the case seems lost.
Crisis
Ed and Lorraine realize the truth: Bill Wilkins is a pawn, and Valak is the true demon manipulating events. They understand they must return despite the danger. Lorraine must face her fear of Ed's death.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
The Warrens return to the Hodgson house for the final confrontation. Ed saves Janet from falling while Lorraine banishes Valak by commanding it by name. Faith, love, and their bond triumph over the demon. The family is freed.