Reviewers often praise the creative cinematography , such as the "basement elevator" scene, and the unsettling score by Joseph Bishara.
Though the film's narrative is fictional , it is inspired by a real-life Raggedy Ann doll investigated by paranormal researchers Ed and Lorraine Warren. According to the Warrens, the real doll was haunted by the spirit of a girl named Annabelle Higgins. the real-life one? Annabelle 2014
Alfre Woodard's performance as Evelyn, a bookstore owner with a tragic past who helps the couple, is frequently cited as a high point of the film. Reviewers often praise the creative cinematography , such