If you don't know, The Conjuring is a story of a haunting. A family of 7 (five daughters and their parents) move into a big old house in Rhode Island. After only a few days, strange things start to happen. Eventually it builds to a point that the family realizes that they are in danger because of the ghosts or whatever it is that is tormenting them in their home. The mother finds out about a couple that is giving a lecture at a nearby college about paranormal investigation. She meets them afterwards and persuades them to come see her home, for the safety of her daughters. That couple are Ed and Lorraine Warren and this story is before the case that would make them famous at a house in Amityville Long Island.
I really appreciated that The Conjuring does not feel like modern films. Its more like the scary movies of the 70s and 80s. Unlike the re-make, this movie really could fit well with the original Amityville Horror. The approach is much more personal and heartfelt to me than you expect these days. You really do start to not just care about these people, but worry about their safety.
I was so surprised that the film was well cast, well written, compelling and not just a set up for repeated jump scares. The characters really are fleshed out and feel natural. These are not just one dimensional people, destined to be tortured for our amusement. This realistic approach made the movie feel very respectful of both families that are involved and honest in telling their version of the story.
I also appreciated both the attention paid to the droning, unsettling score as well as the use of physical special effects when possible. I am so happy to see that James Wan really is more than just that guy who made Saw (2004). He really does know how to make effective horror that will haunt you after the movie is over. I enjoyed The Conjuring so much that it makes me not only want to watch the sequel, but to also check out Insidious (2010) which was also helmed by Wan. Both series of films had so much hype that I lost interest, but its great to see that it may all have been warranted.
As for the Blu-Ray, the first two featurettes are excellent mini-docs on both the Parron family's haunting and the life's work of the Warrens. It is so powerful to hear the real Mrs. Warren recall the couple's experiences over the years as paranormal investigators. Couple that with the actual Parrons describing the horrors they experienced in their home, you can really appreciate what everyone in the film feel that they experienced. It will make you want to believe.
So you have probably all already seen this movie, so I am probably preaching to the choir on this one. If you are like me and hadn't jumped on board yet, I am here to tell you it was worth the plunge! Anyone who enjoys haunted stories or good scary movies needs to give The Conjuring a chance. Believe me!
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