AT THE MOVIES

by Isy Jordan

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It
Director: Michael Chaves
Starring: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Ruairi O'Connor, and more.


The Warrens investigate a murder that may be linked to a demonic possession.



This past Friday, the latest movie in the Conjuring franchise was released both in theatres and on HBOMax. I went to the theatre to see it for my own enjoyment. Then I came home and watched it again for my review.

Once again, we follow the Warrens on a case where the paranormal is a major player. It's the true case of Arne Johnson who was accused of the 1981 murder of his landlord. His was the first known court case in the U.S. where the defense tried to prove innocence based on the defendant's claim that he was possessed by a demon at the time.

This film is quite a bit different in style and tone from the first two films in the franchise. First, James Wan didn't direct this one as he did the first two movies. Instead, Michael Chaves stepped in to direct. While his style isn't as in-your-face and creepy as Wan's, he still told a solid story. The first ten minutes we see the exorcism of a demonically possessed child and it sets up the rest of the movie which as a suspenseful thriller totally worked. Chaves' style is more linear and while it didn't pack the punch of Wan's films, it was still very good.

The acting, as always, is wonderful. Wilson and Farmiga have enough chemistry to make you believe they've been married for years and the supporting players in this film turned in excellent performances. The ending? I can see why it was underwhelming to some. The big reveal just wasn't that thrilling and the enemy was vanquished with relative ease.

The film is rated R for violence, disturbing visuals, and terror. At just under two hours, it's the right length and it doesn't leave any loose ends. As a fan of the franchise, I recommend it. If the first two films were a bit much for you with the jump scares, give this one a try.

Isy