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Timeline

The Conjuring 2 (2016) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2016 · 134 min · English
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Directed by
James Wan
Starring
Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga
Budget
$40M

Responding to a distressed mother’s plea, paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren travel to Enfield, London, to examine disturbing events affecting the Hodgson family. As they investigate the unsettling occurrences, the Warrens confront a powerful and malevolent entity determined to terrorize and claim victims. The couple must use all their expertise to combat the escalating supernatural threat in this frightening horror film.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like The Conjuring 2
  6. 6 Every angle
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15 events in order · contains spoilers

The Conjuring 2 Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of The Conjuring 2 (2016) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Introduction to the Warrens

    In 1975, the story introduces paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren as they meet with the troubled Lutz family in Amityville, New York. The Lutzes claim to be experiencing haunting events in their home, which is known for a grisly murder that took place previously.

    When
    1975
    Where
    Amityville, New York
  2. Haunting History

    The Warrens learn about the horrific events surrounding the DeFeo family, particularly the brutal killing committed by Ronald DeFeo Jr. This dark history sets the tone for the paranormal events that the Lutz family is experiencing.

    When
    1975
    Where
    Amityville, New York
  3. The Séance

    During a séance with the Lutz family, Lorraine Warren experiences a horrifying vision of Ronald DeFeo's violent past. She sees herself in his place, committing monstrous acts against his family, as she confronts a demonic nun figure.

    When
    1975
    Where
    Amityville, New York
  4. Shift to Enfield

    The narrative shifts three years later to Enfield, England, where we are introduced to Janet Hodgson and her challenging family life. Janet, along with her siblings and struggling mother, faces the difficulties compounded by their father's abandonment.

    When
    1978
    Where
    Enfield, England
  5. Haunted Beginnings

    As Janet tries to cope with life’s challenges, disturbing experiences begin to plague her at night. Initially dismissed by her family, she starts hearing a chilling voice declaring, 'This is my house!' which marks the beginning of their haunting.

    When
    1978
    Where
    Enfield, England
  6. Escalation of Disturbances

    With strange occurrences intensifying in the Hodgson household, Margaret and the family can no longer dismiss the events happening around them. They begin to witness chaotic disturbances that terrify them and hint at a deeper, malevolent presence.

    When
    1978
    Where
    Enfield, England
  7. Talk Show Experience

    Back in America, Ed and Lorraine Warren appear on a talk show to discuss the Amityville haunting. Their claims are met with skepticism and lead to a heated confrontation, further weighing down Lorraine's already fragile emotional state.

    When
    1978
    Where
    United States
  8. Janet's Nightmares

    Janet finds herself in a chilling situation when she ties herself to her bed. When she wakes up on the living room floor, confusion sets in, revealing the powerful influence the haunting has, striking fear into the family and prompting desperate cries for help.

    When
    1978
    Where
    Enfield, England
  9. Ed and Lorraine's Arrival

    Faced with mounting evidence of the paranormal, Ed and Lorraine decide to travel to Enfield. Their investigation is not only a quest to help the Hodgson family but becomes a gripping race against time as Lorraine begins to have fearsome premonitions about Ed's safety.

    When
    1978
    Where
    Enfield, England
  10. Confrontation with the Demon

    As Ed and Lorraine delve deeper into the mystery, they discover the identity of the sinister demon, Valak. The couple's connection to the haunting deepens, entwining their fates with that of the Hodgson family as they confront this malevolent force.

    When
    1978
    Where
    Enfield, England
  11. Climactic Rescue

    In a harrowing climax, Ed fights to save Janet from the grasp of the demon during a near-fatal encounter. Lorraine confronts Valak, showcasing the Warrens' determination to restore peace to the haunted Hodgson home.

    When
    1978
    Where
    Enfield, England
  12. Resolution of the Haunting

    After a tense showdown with the evil entity, Ed and Lorraine successfully manage to lock Valak away, providing relief for the Hodgson family. The case of the Enfield haunting becomes an important chapter in the Warrens' legacy in the field of paranormal investigation.

    When
    1978
    Where
    Enfield, England
  13. Gratitude from the Hodgsons

    With the haunting over, Peggy and her children express their heartfelt gratitude to Ed and Lorraine. The emotional conclusion signifies the love and resilience of the family after enduring such chilling trauma.

    When
    1978
    Where
    Enfield, England
  14. A Somber Reflection

    In a reflective moment, Ed places the eerie Crooked Man turntable in his museum, signifying the conclusion of a scary chapter. However, the unsettling melody that follows hints that the echoes of their intense experience linger on.

    When
    1978
    Where
    United States
  15. A Dance Amidst Turmoil

    As dawn breaks after the chaos of the haunting, Ed and Lorraine share a poignant dance to 'Can't Help Falling in Love With You.' This intimate moment encapsulates their bond and the trials they've faced together, reminding them of the love that endures through darkness.

    When
    1978
    Where
    United States

Last updated: October 31, 2024 at 14:57

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Timeline questions answered

The Conjuring 2 Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of The Conjuring 2 (2016): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why did Lorraine see herself as Ronald DeFeo during the séance?

During the Amityville séance, Lorraine experienced a disturbing vision that placed her in Ronald DeFeo's shoes, showing her committing the brutal murders of his family. This vision was the demon Valak's way of attacking Lorraine psychologically and demonstrating its ability to manipulate her abilities. The demonic nun figure confronted Lorraine during this vision, establishing Valak's connection to her and foreshadowing the demon's role in the later Enfield case.

Foreshadowing: The demonic nun vision establishes Valak's presence early and connects directly to the entity the Warrens will face years later in England.

  • lorraine warren
  • sé\ance
  • ronald defeo
  • vision
  • demon
  • valak
  • amityville
Q2

Why is the demon Valak specifically targeting the Warrens?

Valak has a personal vendetta against Ed and Lorraine Warren because they consistently interfere with supernatural cases and attempt to exorcise demonic entities. Throughout The Conjuring 2, Lorraine experiences premonitions of Ed's death at Valak's hands, indicating the demon views the Warrens as its primary adversaries. The demon uses the Enfield haunting as a trap to draw them in and potentially destroy them.

Foreshadowing: Lorraine's visions of Ed's death throughout the film are directly caused by Valak's targeting of the Warrens.

  • valak
  • demon
  • ed warren
  • lorraine warren
  • target
  • exorcism
Q3

What triggered the haunting of the Hodgson family?

The Hodgson family's vulnerability made them susceptible to supernatural invasion. Their father had recently abandoned the family for a neighbor, leaving them emotionally fractured and financially struggling. This created the perfect conditions for a demonic presence to exploit. The entity began targeting Janet specifically, speaking through her and declaring 'This is my house!'

Foreshadowing: The family's broken state mirrors other cases the Warrens have investigated, where emotional trauma opens doors to malevolent forces.

  • hodgson family
  • janet hodgson
  • haunting
  • vulnerability
  • abandoned
  • demon
Q4

How did Ed nearly die during the confrontation with Valak?

During the climactic confrontation, Ed Warren was in grave danger while attempting to save Janet from the demon's grip. The exact nature of the near-fatal event involved Valak's direct attack on Ed, who was only saved through Lorraine's intervention and their combined spiritual resistance. The scene represents the fulfillment of Lorraine's premonitions about Ed's potential death.

Foreshadowing: Lorraine's repeated visions throughout the film foreshadowed this exact life-threatening moment.

  • ed warren
  • janet hodgson
  • near death
  • valak
  • confrontation
  • climax
Q5

What was the significance of the Crooked Man turntable at the end?

The Crooked Man turntable was an artifact collected from the Hodgson home during the investigation. At the film's conclusion, Ed places it in his museum of paranormal items. The eerie melody that plays from upstairs after he places the turntable serves as a haunting reminder that evil items retain their supernatural properties even when contained, suggesting the Warrens' collection poses ongoing risks.

Foreshadowing: The turntable's presence in the museum hints at the Warrens' dangerous profession and the entities they've encountered.

  • crooked man
  • turntable
  • museum
  • artifact
  • ending
  • ed warren
Q6

Why did Lorraine keep seeing visions of Ed's death?

Lorraine's premonitions were psychic warnings sent by the demon Valak as part of its psychological warfare. These visions served multiple purposes: to terrify Lorraine, to create doubt about their mission, and to manifest the demon's intent to kill Ed. The repeated visions built tension throughout the film and directly led to the climactic confrontation where those premonitions nearly came true.

Foreshadowing: Each vision drew closer to the actual event, creating escalating tension until the climax validated Lorraine's fears.

  • lorraine warren
  • premonitions
  • ed warren
  • death
  • visions
  • psychic
  • valak
Q7

How are the Amityville and Enfield cases connected?

The Amityville case serves as the film's opening and establishes the Warrens' history, but more importantly, it introduces Valak through Lorraine's vision. The demon encountered in Amityville is the same entity that haunts the Hodgson family in Enfield. This connection suggests Valak followed the Warrens or specifically chose to target them through a new case, using the Enfield haunting as a strategic opportunity.

Foreshadowing: Lorraine's vision of the demonic nun in Amityville directly reveals the entity they'll face years later in England.

  • amityville
  • enfield
  • valak
  • connection
  • demon
  • Warrens
  • cases
Q8

How did Valak manifest during the Enfield haunting?

Valak manifested in multiple forms throughout the Enfield haunting, primarily appearing as a demonic nun and possessing Janet Hodgson to speak with a male voice. The demon also appeared as shadowy figures, caused physical disturbances throughout the house, and manipulated objects to terrorize the family. These manifestations escalated in intensity as the Warrens grew closer to confronting the entity.

Foreshadowing: The early manifestations were relatively subtle compared to the full demonic presence revealed during the Warrens' investigation.

  • valak
  • manifestations
  • nun
  • possession
  • janet hodgson
  • demon
  • entity
Q9

Why was Janet Hodgson specifically targeted by the demon?

Janet was targeted because children, particularly emotionally vulnerable ones, are more susceptible to possession and spiritual interference. The demon chose to speak through Janet, using her body to deliver chilling messages and claim the house as its own. Her role as the primary vessel made her the focal point of the haunting and the key to either completing or stopping the demonic mission.

Foreshadowing: The demon's choice of Janet as its primary vessel mirrors patterns in other possession cases the Warrens have investigated.

  • janet hodgson
  • targeted
  • possession
  • demon
  • child
  • vulnerability
  • enfield
Q10

Why did the talk show hosts skeptical of the Warrens matter to the story?

The talk show scene demonstrates the real-world skepticism the Warrens faced regarding their paranormal investigations. This public dismissal adds to Lorraine's emotional burden and creates tension before they travel to Enfield. It also grounds the supernatural narrative in reality by acknowledging that not everyone believes in demonic activity, making the subsequent investigation more challenging.

Foreshadowing: The skepticism contrasts with the overwhelming evidence they would encounter in Enfield.

  • talk show
  • skepticism
  • ed warren
  • lorraine warren
  • amityville
  • controversy
Q11

What was the significance of Billy seeing a haunted firetruck?

Billy Hodgson's encounter with the haunted firetruck represented the demon's ability to create personalized terrors for each family member. This vision added to the escalating supernatural activity in the home and demonstrated that the haunting was affecting all the children, not just Janet. It increased the family's desperation and urgency in seeking help.

Foreshadowing: Multiple children experiencing supernatural phenomena indicated a powerful, widespread haunting rather than a simple haunting.

  • billy hodgson
  • firetruck
  • vision
  • haunting
  • child
  • supernatural
Q12

What is the significance of Valak appearing as a nun?

Valak's nun appearance is significant because it represents the demon's use of religious imagery to create psychological horror. The nun form, combined with the demonic nature, creates a disturbing inversion of sacred symbolism. This specific manifestation would become iconic in The Conjuring universe, establishing Valak as a particularly menacing antagonist who uses familiar religious imagery against its victims.

Foreshadowing: The demonic nun first appeared in Lorraine's Amityville vision before fully manifesting in Enfield.

  • valak
  • nun
  • demon
  • appearance
  • religious
  • imagery
  • form

Movie threads

More Movies Like The Conjuring 2, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes The Conjuring 2 tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies about families fighting evil like The Conjuring 2

Ordinary families fighting for survival against a terrifying paranormal threat. If you enjoyed The Conjuring 2's story of a family besieged by a malevolent entity, you'll find similar terror in these films. This collection features horror movies where ordinary families must confront paranormal threats, emphasizing themes of domestic safety, parental protection, and courage in the face of the unknown.

  • terrifying
  • anxious
  • family horror
  • haunting
  • desperate
  • supernatural threat
  • Tone: dark, terrifying
  • Pacing: steady, escalating
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories typically begin with subtle, unsettling occurrences in a family home that escalate into a full-scale supernatural assault. The narrative follows the family's journey from skepticism to terror as they seek help or find the strength within to combat the entity, often culminating in a desperate final confrontation to reclaim their lives and home.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped together because they share a core premise of a family-centered haunting, creating a deeply personal and emotionally resonant form of horror. The stakes feel higher due to the involvement of children and the violation of the safe space of home, leading to a consistent mood of domestic dread and desperate resilience.

Paranormal investigator stories like The Conjuring 2

Stories of specialized investigators confronting a powerful supernatural menace. For viewers who liked the investigative core of The Conjuring 2, this list includes similar films featuring professionals battling supernatural forces. These movies combine elements of a procedural mystery with intense horror, focusing on characters who use their knowledge and courage to stand against evil entities threatening innocent people.

  • suspenseful
  • investigative
  • malevolent
  • oppressive
  • expert protagonists
  • supernatural battle
  • Tone: dark, suspenseful
  • Pacing: steady, investigative
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves experts being summoned to a case of supernatural disturbance. They methodically gather evidence, identify the nature and rules of the antagonistic entity, and devise a plan to confront it. The story builds towards a climactic, often ritualistic, confrontation where their expertise and resolve are put to the ultimate test.

Why they belong together: These films are united by the protagonist archetype of the investigator and the clear conflict of good versus a powerful supernatural evil. They share a tone of serious dread, a steady pacing that builds evidence and tension, and a focus on the methodology and personal risk involved in combating the unknown.

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Every angle

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