Movie Review: The Conjuring (2013)
Posted By Michelle Ealey on July 20, 2013
The Conjuring, directed by James Wan (Saw), is based on the real-life paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren. Being based on an actual case adds to the terror of the film, creating a bone-chilling tale that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
The film starts in 1968 with the Warrens on the case of a doll, Annabelle, troubling two women. The Warrens explain how spiteful and cruel demonic forces are real and want to do harm to the living, especially by possession. The film often cuts to the Warrens working, giving talks, and at home, letting us get to know Ed Warren (Patrick Wilson), the only demonologist recognized by the Vatican, and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga), a clairvoyant. The married couple investigates many claims of paranormal occurrences, but most of them turn out to be old pipes and loose boards. There are times when the evil is real and they risk themselves to help those in need.
The Perron family needs the Warrens. In 1971, the Perrons moved into a farmhouse in rural Rhode Island. The signs that something was wrong appeared as soon as they moved in. Their dog refuses to enter the home. The clocks stop at 3:07 during the night. The mother, Carolyn (Lili Taylor), has bruises appear with no known reason. Their daughters start seeing entities, noises echo in the house, and doors open and close by themselves. When the Warrens arrive, Roger Perron (Ron Livingston) tells them that moving isn’t an option because they poured all their money into the house and they can’t expect anyone to take in a family of seven (they have five daughters).
The Warrens question the Perrons.
By cutting between the Warrens and the Perrons, we learn what the Warrens do and more about the supernatural. None of the exposition is superfluous. All of the bits of information build on each other, helping us understand what is going on. Many of the pieces pay off later in the film. We need to see the room the Warrens keep the items accumulated during cases, and we need to meet their daughter so we understand the danger the Warrens sometimes face when they battle malevolent forces.
The practical effects make the reactions of the actors authentic and in the moment. Being sensitive to spirits takes its toll on Lorraine, but Farmiga never portrays Lorraine as fragile. Yes, she gets weakened by the fight, but there is a resolve in her eyes and you believe her when she insists to stay by Ed’s side, ready for the next round. Lili Taylor’s performance is also excellent, but to give specific examples would give away major plot points. Pay attention to a conversation between Lorraine and Carolyn about a day at the beach. This one small moment comes back, and the expressions on Taylor’s face during the climatic scenes really convey the horrendous struggle Carolyn goes through.
The Warrens investigate the Perron home.
The Conjuring is a film you should not see alone. The pace of the film doesn’t give you enough time to settle down. You know something will happen, and you will hold your breath in anticipation. The scares in the film will make you scream, jump, and grip the arm of the person next to you. The evil in the film feels real, and if you find yourself saying a prayer after seeing The Conjuring, no one will blame you. The film is that chilling and scary.
Check out our other review for The Conjuring:
Ryan Morrissey-Smith’s Review
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