Brahms: The Boy II

A sequel that ventures into a the same mansion with a new family and the reliable Brahms doll.

This is a well done movie with a compelling young actor whose face almost looks as porcelain as the doll's. This makes the mysterious connection he has with the doll more frightening and strange.

Katie Holmes works perfectly as the loving mom. But before the family escapes to the Heelshire Home, both mom and son, Jude, endure a traumatic event. A random break-in occurs in the opening scene and Jude watches while his mom is nearly killed. Why is this scene necessary? Because it creates a premise for the family. Now they have a reason to escape city life for a country getaway. But more than that, and what I really appreciated here, were the writer's and director's delicate and realistic way of handling PTSD. Especially since I know what's it's like to be a victim of a break-in.

Holmes's character happens to be the most relatable character. She's a great mom and wife, and recognizes the immediate need to be a loving disciplinary when Jude grows overly attached to Brahms.

The music lands right where it needs to, punctuating pivotal moments and the gradual changes in Brahm, Jude, and the parents as they undergo strange and unexplainable events.

And the way the movie explains things works, especially when you consider Brahm's voice in the first one. It fits right in with the first film, which makes the whole story line a terrific success.

BONUS: A terrific penultimate scene and an ending that leaves the franchise open for another chapter.

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