The Conjuring (2013) Directed by James Wan. Starring: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Lili Taylor. IMDB says: “Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren work to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse. Forced to confront a powerful entity, the Warrens find themselves caught in the most terrifying case of their lives.”
Horror fans rejoice. This is what has been missing in our lives. This is the proof of life for American horror. This is The Conjuring.
Based on a true story, the movie looks at paranormal researchers Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson & Vera Farmiga) as they take on an investigation that soon proves to be one of their most difficult. In real life, the duo is most known for their involvement with the The Amityville Horror case but the events portrayed in The Conjuring are marketed as the couples’ most difficult and dangerous encounters. Ghost hunting credibility aside, it’s easy to get sucked in to the story. After a brief introduction to what the Warrens actually do, we are then introduced to a family of seven which includes parents Carolyn and Rodger as well as their five girls. The family moves into a large home in the country unaware of it’s troubled past. Ghostly terror ensues.
The film succeeds on many levels, firstly in part to solid performances from the whole cast. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga do a nice job making the Warrens feel like real people driven by a sense of purpose. They color within the lines of their characters which helps make the whole endeavor feel much more authentic. The underrated Lili Taylor also shines as the struggling matriarch that takes the brunt of the haunting. The children are also believable in their individual screen time and although he doesn’t get to do much, it’s always nice to have Ron Livingston around. There are a couple of sillier characters also featured in the film which include a sidekick research tech (Shannon Kook) and non-believer cop (John Brotherton) both acting as much needed comic relief in an otherwise heart attack level tense film.
Director James Wan’s affinity for the 1970’s aesthetic also proves a perfect match for the Warren’s story. Much like his previous film Insidious, he works with classic elements of horror movies past to produce terrifying results. The movie looks appropriately dated but never feels stale or tired. What makes Wan so effective is his ability to keep you guessing and truly immerse you within a story. With The Conjuring, you can never be too sure just what each sound indicates or what is lurking around each corner. The movie also never shys away from the actual scare either. The ‘less is more’ mantra is utilized to perfection in some scenes but also in conjunction with a lot of ghostly ‘money shots.’ There is something to be said for anyone that can properly do this within a horror movie because it’s an extremely difficult balance to strike. There has to be the correct about of time spent with the actual ghosts face to face while still letting your imagination run wild. Frankly, I don’t know many films that can do this well, if at all. Wan was certainly close with Insidious but it seems he has only become sharper in execution. This film is tighter, even more effective and on point in it’s intention. The guy knows what he’s doing and has gained me as a new follower. Ti West who?
If I can offer a suggestion, please see this in the theater. It’s a perfect horror film to be experienced in a large group. Nothing will match the unbelievable adrenaline rush you will get from holding on tight to your chair and cupping your mouth in a moment of shock. I love horror movies but I’m rarely scared by them. The Conjuring had me vocal, on edge and loving every minute of it. It would be a disservice to deny yourself the same experience.
