Reviews: The Last Exorcism Part II (2013) Movie Review / Ending Explained / FAQs
Genres: Horror, Thriller, Drama, Demons
Subgenres: Found Footage, Possession, Supernatural, Exorcisms, Religion
Horror fans will enjoy our review of The Last Exorcism Part II (2013), where we cover its story, scares, and how it ranks among modern horror classics.
The Last Exorcism Part II (2013) – A Possession Sequel That Struggles to Recapture the Fear
The Last Exorcism Part II (2013), directed by Ed Gass-Donnelly, picks up where the original found-footage horror film left off—but this time abandons the documentary-style approach for a more traditional narrative structure. Starring Ashley Bell reprising her role as Nell Sweetzer, the sequel shifts focus from unsettling exorcism footage to a psychological horror about recovery, temptation, and the lingering grip of demonic possession.
While the first film earned praise for its tense, low-budget realism and surprising twists, this follow-up delivers a more predictable, slow-burn horror experience, trading raw intensity for a safer, formulaic possession story. Despite Ashley Bell’s committed performance, The Last Exorcism Part II struggles to maintain the terror and emotional impact of its predecessor.
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
The story resumes with Nell Sweetzer, the lone survivor from the first film’s chaotic conclusion. Now living in a New Orleans halfway house for troubled young women, Nell tries to rebuild her life, believing the horrors she endured are behind her. But as she begins to adjust to a life of normalcy, she becomes plagued by strange visions, supernatural occurrences, and an ominous presence that seems to stalk her at every turn.
It becomes clear that Abalam, the demon that tormented Nell, is not finished with her. Instead of seeking another exorcism, the film focuses on Nell’s internal battle with the seductive pull of darkness, forcing her to question whether she can ever truly be free from Abalam’s grip.
Key Themes Explored:
The lasting trauma of demonic possession
Temptation versus salvation
Isolation and the search for identity after abuse
Faith, doubt, and personal strength in the face of evil
While the themes offer depth on paper, the film’s execution often feels surface-level, with long stretches of slow pacing that reduce the impact of these ideas.
Acting and Cinematography
The strongest element of The Last Exorcism Part II is undoubtedly Ashley Bell’s performance as Nell. Bell brings vulnerability, innocence, and intensity to the role, portraying Nell’s emotional fragility alongside moments of fierce determination. Her portrayal remains the emotional anchor of the film, even when the script fails to give her the material she deserves.
Visually, the movie trades the gritty, handheld feel of the original for slick, polished cinematography. While this shift allows for some atmospheric shots of New Orleans and eerie dream sequences, it also removes the unsettling realism that made the first film so effective.
The scares lean on traditional horror tropes—creaking doors, shadowy figures, and nightmare visions—rather than inventive or shocking moments. As a result, the tension rarely rises above mild unease.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Director Ed Gass-Donnelly aims to create a more introspective horror experience, focusing on Nell’s psychological struggle rather than pure exorcism spectacle. However, this choice leads to uneven pacing, with much of the runtime devoted to slow buildup that doesn’t always pay off in satisfying ways.
The biggest weakness of the film is its lack of originality. It follows familiar possession film beats, offering little that feels fresh or surprising. The abandonment of the found-footage style that gave the first film its identity also strips away a major element that set the series apart.
Strengths:
Ashley Bell’s compelling and emotional performance
Atmospheric setting with effective use of New Orleans backdrops
Attempts to explore deeper emotional trauma and recovery
Weaknesses:
Predictable and formulaic horror sequences
Loss of found-footage style hurts continuity and uniqueness
Pacing issues with a lack of sustained tension
Missed opportunities for deeper exploration of possession themes
Final Verdict & Score: 4/10
The Last Exorcism Part II (2013) delivers a standard possession horror sequel that lacks the raw tension and unsettling surprises of the original. Despite Ashley Bell’s strong central performance, the film’s predictable scares, slow pacing, and failure to capitalize on its psychological themes leave it feeling more like an uninspired follow-up than a chilling continuation.
Fans of the first film may find some closure in seeing Nell’s story continue, but most horror enthusiasts will be left wanting more fear, more originality, and a stronger connection to what made the first installment stand out.
Who will enjoy it:
Fans curious to see Nell’s story continue from the first film
Viewers who prefer slow-burn, psychological horror over jump scares
Those interested in trauma-centered possession narratives
Who might be disappointed:
Horror fans expecting intense exorcism sequences or shocking twists
Audiences looking for found-footage style continuity from the first movie
Viewers seeking fresh, original horror concepts
The Last Exorcism Part II (2013) – Most Searched FAQs and Ending Explained
1. What is The Last Exorcism Part II (2013) about?
The Last Exorcism Part II follows Nell Sweetzer, the lone survivor from the terrifying events of the first film, as she tries to rebuild her life in a halfway house for troubled young women in New Orleans. However, Nell soon realizes that the demonic entity known as Abalam has not released its grip on her. Instead of the found-footage style used in the first movie, this sequel opts for a traditional third-person horror narrative, focusing on Nell’s emotional recovery while evil continues to stalk her.
2. Is The Last Exorcism Part II a found-footage movie like the first one?
No, unlike its predecessor, The Last Exorcism Part IIabandons the found-footage format. It presents the story in a more conventional cinematic style, using standard camera work and narrative storytelling. This shift was a notable change that disappointed some fans of the first film’s raw, documentary-style approach.
3. Who is the demon in The Last Exorcism Part II?
The demon that continues to haunt Nell is named Abalam, the same malevolent entity introduced in the first film. Abalam’s goal is not only to torment Nell but to claim her fully as his bride, seeking to possess her soul and bind her permanently to the dark forces.
4. What happens to Nell in The Last Exorcism Part II?
Minor Spoiler:
Throughout the film, Nell experiences terrifying visions, sleepwalking episodes, and unexplained phenomena, all tied to Abalam’s influence. Despite efforts by those around her to help, Nell becomes increasingly isolated, realizing that the demon’s presence is growing stronger, and traditional methods of exorcism may not save her.
5. Does The Last Exorcism Part II connect directly to the first movie?
Yes, the film is a direct sequel, continuing the story of Nell Sweetzer after the shocking conclusion of The Last Exorcism. It picks up shortly after the events of the first film and deals with the aftermath of the failed exorcism and Nell’s attempt to lead a normal life.
6. Is The Last Exorcism Part II based on a true story?
No, the movie is fictional. While it draws on common themes from possession and exorcism lore, including the influence of demons and spiritual warfare, there is no real-life case directly associated with the events in the film.
7. Why is The Last Exorcism Part II considered disappointing by some fans?
Many fans and critics felt the sequel:
Lacked the tension and raw fear of the original found-footage style
Relied on predictable horror tropes and slow pacing
Failed to deliver the same level of psychological horror or surprising twists
Offered fewer exorcism scenes, focusing instead on psychological buildup
However, Ashley Bell’s performance as Nell remains one of the most praised aspects of the film.
The Last Exorcism Part II (2013) – Ending Explained
Major Spoiler Below
In the climax of The Last Exorcism Part II, Nell is offered a chance at freedom through a ritual performed by a secret order of spiritualists. Their plan is to sever Abalam’s hold on her through a final exorcism. However, as the ritual progresses, Nell is faced with a shocking choice: renounce Abalam and risk death, or willingly accept the demon and gain power.
In a dark twist, Nell chooses to embrace the demon instead of fighting it. She fully accepts Abalam’s presence, allowing the possession to take over. This leads to a transformation in her character, turning her from a vulnerable victim into an agent of darkness.
The film’s final scenes show Nell fully possessed, walking confidently away from the destruction she causes, with hints that she is now capable of spreading evil wherever she goes. The ending leaves audiences with the unsettling implication that the true horror is just beginning, as Nell has now become the willing bride of the demon.
Key Ending Takeaways:
Nell embraces Abalam’s possession rather than resisting it.
The attempted exorcism fails as Nell chooses power over salvation.
The film closes on an ominous note, with Nell fully transformed and aligned with the demon, suggesting potential for continued evil beyond the story.
Similar films like The Last Exorcism Part II can be found in demon movies sub-genre(s), check them out for more movies like The Last Exorcism Part II.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- The Last Exorcism Part II Rating Scores
- Our Score: 4/10
- Overall Score: 3.37/10
- IMDB: 4.0/10
- MetaCritic: 3.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 1.6/10
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