The Last Exorcism Part II
Seventeen year-old Nell Margaret Sweetzer is found completely insane when trying to explain her possession by the demon called Abalam. After medical and psychological treatment, she is sent to the Deveraux transition house in New Orleans managed by Frank Merle, who helps her to start a new life. She finds a job as a hotel housekeeper, befriends her new roommates, and develops a crush on her coworker, Chris. Soon, Nell comes to realize that she is haunted by people from her cult... and by the same evil force that once possessed her. When Nell meets Miss Cecile, she tells Nell that she has been following her since the hospital. Further, she discloses that she belongs to the sect Order of The Right Hand, and that they can protect her from the evil in an attempt to divert the prophecy of an apocalypse. Will Nell accept help, and be protected from the extremely powerful, evil force Abalam -- Or will she come to accept... herself?
Despite its limited budget of $5.0M, The Last Exorcism Part II became a box office success, earning $15.2M worldwide—a 204% return. The film's bold vision found its audience, confirming that strong storytelling can transcend budget limitations.
1 win & 2 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 Last Exorcism Part II (2013) showcases carefully calibrated narrative architecture, characteristic of Ed Gass-Donnelly's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 28 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Nell Sweetzer is found wandering in the woods, traumatized and covered in blood after the events of the first film. She is taken to a hospital, disoriented and fragile, representing her shattered state after the exorcism.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 11 minutes when Nell begins experiencing supernatural occurrences: strange visions, objects moving on their own, and ominous appearances of people who seem to be watching her. The demon Abalam has found her and is beginning to reassert its presence in her life.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 22 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This illustrates the protagonist's commitment to After a terrifying supernatural encounter in her room, Nell can no longer deny that something demonic is pursuing her. She makes the active choice to investigate what's happening rather than continue pretending everything is fine, crossing into a world where she must confront the demon., moving from reaction to action.
At 45 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 51% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Notably, this crucial beat Nell discovers the full extent of the cult's plan: they want her to embrace the demon and become its vessel willingly. A violent supernatural attack reveals that Abalam's power is growing stronger, and the demon begins exerting more control over her. The stakes escalate from personal survival to spiritual warfare., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 67 minutes (76% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, In a devastating sequence, the demon fully manifests and kills several people around Nell, including those trying to protect her. Nell realizes she has become a danger to everyone she cares about, especially Chris. Her hope for a normal life dies, and she faces the terrifying possibility that she cannot be saved., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 71 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Nell realizes that the demon feeds on her fear and shame about her past. Drawing on her love for Chris and her desire to reclaim her life, she finds inner strength and chooses to confront Abalam directly rather than run or submit. She accepts her past but refuses to let it define her future., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Last Exorcism Part II's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping The Last Exorcism Part II against these established plot points, we can identify how Ed Gass-Donnelly utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Last Exorcism Part II within the horror genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional horror films include Lake Placid, A Nightmare on Elm Street and Cat's Eye.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Nell Sweetzer is found wandering in the woods, traumatized and covered in blood after the events of the first film. She is taken to a hospital, disoriented and fragile, representing her shattered state after the exorcism.
Theme
A counselor at the girls' home tells Nell, "You can't run from your past forever. You have to face it to move forward." This establishes the film's central theme about confronting trauma versus escaping it.
Worldbuilding
Nell is placed in a girls' transitional home in New Orleans, where she begins recovery. We see her struggling with nightmares, flashbacks, and fear of what happened to her. She befriends other girls, gets a job at a hotel, and attempts to build a normal life while suppressed memories haunt her.
Disruption
Nell begins experiencing supernatural occurrences: strange visions, objects moving on their own, and ominous appearances of people who seem to be watching her. The demon Abalam has found her and is beginning to reassert its presence in her life.
Resistance
Nell resists acknowledging the supernatural events, trying to convince herself and others that she's healing. She develops a romantic connection with Chris, a kind coworker at the hotel. Meanwhile, mysterious figures begin appearing, and a secretive group tries to warn her about the danger she's in.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
After a terrifying supernatural encounter in her room, Nell can no longer deny that something demonic is pursuing her. She makes the active choice to investigate what's happening rather than continue pretending everything is fine, crossing into a world where she must confront the demon.
Mirror World
Nell's relationship with Chris deepens. He represents normalcy, safety, and the possibility of a life free from her traumatic past. Their connection symbolizes the human love and acceptance that could save her from darkness, embodying the film's thematic question about redemption.
Premise
Nell tries to balance her normal life with Chris and her job while investigating the supernatural threat. She learns about Abalam, the demon that possessed her, and discovers a cult is trying to bring about her complete possession. She explores her past, seeking answers about what happened and how to stop it.
Midpoint
Nell discovers the full extent of the cult's plan: they want her to embrace the demon and become its vessel willingly. A violent supernatural attack reveals that Abalam's power is growing stronger, and the demon begins exerting more control over her. The stakes escalate from personal survival to spiritual warfare.
Opposition
The demonic presence intensifies, causing Nell to lose control more frequently. The cult closes in, isolating her from her support system. Chris and others try to help, but the demon's influence creates chaos and violence. Nell's grip on reality weakens as Abalam manipulates her perceptions and emotions, turning her friends against her.
Collapse
In a devastating sequence, the demon fully manifests and kills several people around Nell, including those trying to protect her. Nell realizes she has become a danger to everyone she cares about, especially Chris. Her hope for a normal life dies, and she faces the terrifying possibility that she cannot be saved.
Crisis
Nell spirals into despair, isolated and terrified. She contemplates giving in to the demon to end the suffering and protect others. In her darkest moments, she must decide whether to surrender to Abalam or find the strength within herself to fight back one final time.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Nell realizes that the demon feeds on her fear and shame about her past. Drawing on her love for Chris and her desire to reclaim her life, she finds inner strength and chooses to confront Abalam directly rather than run or submit. She accepts her past but refuses to let it define her future.
Synthesis
The final confrontation unfolds as Nell faces the cult and the demon in a climactic supernatural battle. She uses her understanding of Abalam's nature and her own resilience to resist possession. The sequence builds to a shocking conclusion where Nell must make an ultimate choice about her fate and identity.
Transformation
In a dark twist, Nell embraces the demon's power, becoming a willing vessel for Abalam. Rather than being saved, she transforms into something else entirely—no longer the innocent victim but a powerful, corrupted figure. The final image shows her walking away with newfound dark confidence, having chosen power over redemption.