The Ring Two (2005) Movie Review: A Chilling but Uneven Sequel
Overview
Directed by Hideo Nakata, the original director of the Japanese “Ring” films, “The Ring Two” (2005) is the sequel to the successful 2002 horror film “The Ring.” Starring Naomi Watts, David Dorfman, and Simon Baker, the film continues the story of journalist Rachel Keller and her son Aidan as they try to escape the haunting presence of the vengeful spirit, Samara. While the film retains some of the atmospheric dread of its predecessor, it struggles with pacing and coherence.
Plot Summary
“The Ring Two” picks up six months after the events of the first film. Rachel Keller (Naomi Watts) and her son Aidan (David Dorfman) have moved to the small town of Astoria, Oregon, seeking a fresh start. Rachel works at the local newspaper, and life seems to be returning to normal until a local teenager is found dead under mysterious circumstances.
Rachel discovers that the death is linked to the cursed videotape and realizes that Samara’s spirit has returned with a renewed thirst for vengeance. As strange occurrences escalate, Aidan begins exhibiting disturbing behavior, and Rachel becomes increasingly desperate to protect him.
Rachel delves deeper into Samara’s past, uncovering more about her tragic origins and the forces that bind her to the physical world. She seeks help from Dr. Emma Temple (Elizabeth Perkins) and child psychologist Max Rourke (Simon Baker) to understand and combat Samara’s influence. The film builds to a climactic confrontation as Rachel must once again face the malevolent spirit to save her son.
Performance and Direction
Naomi Watts delivers a strong performance, reprising her role as Rachel with the same intensity and vulnerability that made her compelling in the first film. Watts effectively conveys the fear and determination of a mother fighting to save her child from an otherworldly threat. David Dorfman as Aidan gives a suitably eerie performance, embodying the unsettling changes in his character due to Samara’s influence.
Simon Baker provides solid support as Max Rourke, though his character’s involvement feels somewhat underdeveloped. Elizabeth Perkins adds depth to the film as Dr. Emma Temple, contributing to the exploration of Samara’s backstory.
Hideo Nakata’s direction maintains the atmospheric tension that characterized the original film. His experience with the Japanese “Ring” series is evident in the film’s visual style and eerie ambiance. However, the sequel’s pacing is uneven, with slow segments that detract from the overall sense of urgency and horror. Some of the scares feel repetitive, relying on familiar tropes rather than offering fresh, innovative frights.
Visuals and Cinematography
The cinematography by Gabriel Beristain captures the gloomy, overcast setting of the Pacific Northwest, enhancing the film’s ominous mood. The use of muted colors and shadowy lighting creates a sense of pervasive dread. The visual effects used to depict Samara and her supernatural manifestations are effective, though not as groundbreaking as in the first film.
Themes and Relevance
“The Ring Two” explores themes of motherhood, the power of unresolved trauma, and the destructive nature of vengeance. The film delves deeper into Samara’s origins, providing more context to her malevolent actions and the pain that drives her. Rachel’s journey is one of confronting past horrors to protect her future, emphasizing the lengths a mother will go to for her child.
While the film addresses these themes, it sometimes struggles to balance character development with the demands of the horror genre. The narrative attempts to expand the mythology of the first film, but not all elements are fully fleshed out, leading to a somewhat disjointed story.
Streaming and Availability
For viewers in the United States, “The Ring Two” is available for streaming on various platforms. You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video and Hulu with a subscription. The film is also available for rent or purchase on digital platforms such as Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies, Vudu, and YouTube Movies.
Conclusion
“The Ring Two” is a chilling sequel that succeeds in maintaining some of the atmospheric horror of its predecessor but falls short in terms of pacing and narrative coherence. Naomi Watts’ strong performance and Hideo Nakata’s direction provide some compelling moments, yet the film struggles to recapture the innovative fear and suspense of the original. Fans of the first film and the horror genre may find it worth watching, but it ultimately doesn’t reach the heights of the 2002 classic.
