The Nun Fan Theory: Was Sister Irene’s Visions Proof She Was Chosen by God, or by Valak?

Spoiler Warning: This article reveals major plot twists from The Nun (2018) and The Nun II (2023).

Sister Irene sees visions that guide her toward the terrifying abbey in The Nun. But here’s the unsettling question: are these visions a gift from God, or is Valak secretly manipulating her?

The movie offers clues for both interpretations. Let’s explore the fan theory, separate what the films confirm from what they leave open, and see which explanation makes the most sense.

1. Irene’s Visions Begin Before the Abbey

Before Irene reaches Romania, she experiences visions of a mysterious nun and moments that seem connected to the Virgin Mary. These experiences make her unusual among the other novices.

Father Burke learns about Irene’s visions and recognizes that they may be important to the Vatican’s investigation. But the film never proves that every vision comes from a divine source.

That uncertainty gives the theory room to grow.

2. The Case for God Choosing Irene

Irene’s visions appear to guide her toward the abbey just when the Church needs someone to confront Valak. She also shows courage, compassion, and a willingness to protect others, even when the danger becomes overwhelming.

When she takes her final vows, her faith becomes central to the battle. The relic containing the blood of Christ can be used only by a true bride of Christ, making Irene’s commitment crucial to the mission.

From this perspective, her visions are a form of divine guidance that prepares her for a purpose she does not yet understand.

3. Could Valak Be Manipulating Her Instead?

Here’s where the theory gets darker. Valak repeatedly creates illusions and disguises itself to confuse its victims. Irene encounters frightening visions and apparent religious figures throughout the abbey, so it is reasonable to question what she sees.

The demon could theoretically use Irene’s faith against her, encouraging her to follow a path that leads directly into danger.

However, the film never confirms that Valak created Irene’s earlier visions. This remains a fan theory, not an established plot fact.

4. The Fake Nuns Reveal How Dangerous Visions Can Be

One of the film’s most disturbing discoveries is that the nuns Irene believes she has been praying alongside are not actually there. She has been alone, while Valak has been using deception to control what she perceives.

This twist proves that the demon can manipulate appearances and make false experiences feel real.

But it does not automatically mean Irene’s original visions were fake. The movie deliberately leaves room between the visions that guide her and the illusions Valak uses to attack her.

5. The Blood of Christ Points Toward a Divine Purpose

During the final battle, Valak possesses Irene and tries to drown her. Irene survives by using the blood of Christ against the demon, finally forcing it away.

This moment supports the idea that Irene’s faith is genuine and powerful. Her visions may have prepared her for the confrontation, but her choices and determination help her survive.

Still, the ending does not settle the origin of every vision. It shows that Irene’s faith matters—not that every supernatural experience she has must come from God.

6. The Ending Suggests Irene Wins, but Valak Survives

Irene appears to banish Valak and seal the gateway beneath the abbey. Yet Frenchie’s real name is revealed to be Maurice, and an upside-down cross appears on his neck.

The mark suggests Valak has possessed him, meaning the demon has found a way to continue its influence beyond the abbey.

If Irene was chosen by God, she succeeded in stopping the immediate threat. If Valak had been manipulating her, the demon still failed to prevent the gateway from being sealed—but escaped through another route.

Either way, the ending makes clear that the battle is not truly over.

7. Does The Nun II Offer Another Clue?

The Nun II adds more information about Irene’s supernatural experiences and her connection to Saint Lucy’s lineage. Her visions become part of a larger story about spiritual inheritance and the ability to confront Valak.

This sequel strengthens the idea that Irene has a special purpose. It does not, however, confirm that Valak secretly created her visions in the first film.

Final Verdict: Chosen by God or by Valak?

The stronger interpretation is that Irene’s visions are meant to represent divine guidance, while Valak uses separate illusions to mislead and frighten her. Her faith helps her face the demon, and the sequel further develops her spiritual connection.

But the darker theory remains an intriguing possibility because Valak is a master of deception. The movies leave enough mystery for fans to wonder whether Irene understood every vision correctly.

And that is what makes the question so creepy: in a place where even holy figures can appear as illusions, how can anyone be completely certain who is guiding them?