Who knew that The Conjuring would start a movie “universe?” Well, it obviously took after this release in 2013 with director James Wan who is an iconic director with such films as Saw [2004], Dead Silence [2007], and Insidious [2010] with writer Chad Hayes (The Turning [2020]). Although, It starts with the cliché “based on a true story” it really is as Ed and Lorraine Warren (R.I.P.) were renowned paranormal investigators. It first hit theaters in July 2013 from New Line Cinema and thrilled moviegoers including my husband and I.
The film is set in 1971 where the Perron family moves into a Rhode Island farmhouse not knowing what is to come. Roger (Ron Livingston (Shimmer Lake [2017])) is a hard-working truck driver and Carolyn (Lily Taylor [The Haunting [1999])) is a devoted house wife with five children Andrea (Shanley Caswell), Nancy (Hayley McFarland), Christine (Joey King), Cindy (Mckenzie Foy), and April (Kyla Deaver). They soon learn that their house is haunted and are scared to death to be there; Carolyn seeks out paranormal investigators Ed (Patrick Wilson (Insidious [2010])) and Lorraine (Vera Farmiga (Orphan [2009])) Warren who come to their house. They noticed the fear and panic in her eyes and the concern for her children and make the journey to her home right away Lorraine sees a shadow and Ed notices the clocks are all at 3am. Soon, they bring their investigative team which takes photos of the spirits and ghosts that appear which then makes them gather their findings and realize an exorcism is needed and go to Father Gordon (Steve Coulter (The Conjuring 2 [2016])) who must get permission from the Vatican for the exorcism. In the meantime, the Perrons leave the house and stay at a hotel not knowing that Carolyn has been possessed by the spirit of the mother who turns around with April and leaves to go back to the house. Roger immediately calls the Warrens who all go rushing back to the house. Carolyn hides April and Roger and the Warrens grab her and take her to the basement (where everything started) and tie her to a chair. Ed realizes that he, himself, must try and do the exorcism. When April is found the demon in Carolyn tries to go get her, but they stop her in the crawlspace and Ed shouts the demon’s name “Bathsheba” who then turns and realizes they know its name. Lorraine tries to get Carolyn to remember her family and eventually she throws up and the demon is gone.
There is another story going on which concerns Warren’s daughter, Judy. It seems that the demon has latched onto Lorraine, and it’s affected Judy. When they leave the Perron’s house Lorraine has a vision of Judy who is in trouble. Of course, they get there in time and all is ok. I guess this goes to show that the occult is nothing to mess with.
The Conjuring had my attention during the entire movie although the down parts when the investigative team at the house were a bit boring eventually it does take off when the camera lights start going off. The film’s end credits have pictures of the actual Warren’s and Perron family. Obviously, it’s a loved franchise since there were sequels and spinoffs. I do recommend viewing this, but you’ll need to watch the movies in order. See below for the list of titles.
TAGLINES:
- Evil Loves Innocence.
- Based on the true case files of the Warrens.
Conjuring Films:
The Conjuring 2 [2016]
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It [2021]
The Conjuring: Last Writes – Pre-Production
Spin Offs:
Annabelle [2014]
Annabelle: Creation [2017]
The Nun [2018]
The Curse of La Llorona [2019]
Annabelle Comes Home [2019]
The Nun II [2023]