The prequel "Annabelle: Creation" (2017) taught me a very confronting and valuable lesson, and I've been an avid horror fanatic and (self-declared) genre expert for more than 30 years already. What lesson might that be? Well, that sequels/prequels to spin-offs of commercial blockbusters can nevertheless turn out great, even when the "original" spin-off itself was only mediocre. I love it when a simple film franchise like "Annabelle" is able to break through ancient prejudices of mine!

After the tremendously great surprise that was "Annabelle: Creation", I didn't have an excuse anymore not to also watch the next and final (to date, at least) installment in the series, and that's the appealingly titled "Annabelle Comes Home". Although not as fantastic as the 2017 prequel, this is also a very solid, competent, ingeniously scripted, and effectively spooky ghost tale.

The plot smoothly fits into "The Conjuring" universe, with the paranormal investigators' couple Ed & Lorraine Warren securing the dangerous titular porcelain doll in their home. The Warren's daughter, Judy, struggles with making friends at school, but luckily her babysitter Mary Ellen is a good friend to her. Mary Ellen's best friend Daniela is nice as well, but she's mainly interested in getting into the Warren's house because she wishes to communicate one last time with her deceased father. When she breaks the seal of Annabelle's glass prison, the evil doll promptly continues her search for a human soul... And young Judy's soul will do just fine!

"Annabelle Comes Home" is the directorial debut of Gary Dauberman, and he's definitely also the most knowledgeable crew member of the entire "Conjuring" universe. He wrote the initial "Annabelle" spin-off, as well as the superior prequel, and "The Nun". Dauberman also co-wrote the scenarios of the recent (and popular) "It" reboots, so isn't a horror-amateur for sure! His lack of experience as a director doesn't form an issue, neither, because Dauberman clearly paid good attention to the mighty James Wan and David F. Sandberg. In other words, he masters the apt timing of effective scares, excellently builds up tension, and doesn't overdo anything.

And still the best thing about this sequel is the plot, which Dauberman also wrote himself. It's a plausible albeit simplistic story, with likable characters that make understandable (if dumb...) choices, and you still hope for all of them to survive. Yes, even the kid with the dumbest nickname in history and who sings a hopelessly pitiable serenade to his girlfriend.