The Conjuring

The Conjuring is a damn good horror movie.  Flawless filming and production help create a perfect combination of tension, creep and scares further supported by some really interesting characters and locations. Some might argue this is just another haunted house tale however when it's done well ... who cares! 

What makes this film even more interesting is that it's based on real people - Lorraine and Ed Warren. Real life paranormal/demon hunters associated with such cases as Amityville and Haunting in Connecticut (both of which also made it to film).  Reading up on them after the movie I was surprised to find they were quite respected and are reported to have helped many people over the years with 'supernatural' problems.  I'm a sucker I know, but I love seeing 'Based on real events' at the beginning of a horror - it just makes it easier to relate to the story...  Horror is no place for skeptics.

Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga are brilliant playing the Warren's.   Their chemistry on screen is great.  Lorraine is the medium and Ed is the warrior and together they make a powerful team.  If the movie is accurate Ed was the only non-ordained person authorized by the Catholic Church to perform exorcisms.

I also want to make reference to the audio.  It is always one of the most important factors in a good horror film and The Conjuring absolutely nails it.  The key tension sounds were just so clear and defined - for example a simple loud knock on the door almost made me double check someone wasn't knocking on mine. 

Oh, and then there's the doll.  If your creep-o-meter doesn't spike to max when this damn thing comes on screen, there's something wrong with you.  *shudder*


Give me this over the modern torture porn any day.

My only criticism with this movie is it made me break one of my good wine glasses.  Watching horror in pitch black is a must however next time I must remember to pause it on a light frame when needing a loo break.  The walk back was trecherous!

If you're a fan of haunted house style horror then definitely give this a go.  I would compare it to movies such as Poltergeist, Insidious and maybe even The Others.  Like all good horror, watch it alone and in the dark.

9/10

IMDB Info