40 years after The Exorcist, here's a new classic

Rating: 8/10 (4 August 2013)

Like The Exorcist made 40 years earlier, this feature is based on a true story, taken from the case files of husband-and-wife paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Although the set up is familiar enough, the execution and delivery are solid and assured in the capable hands of director James Wan. The screenplay nicely balances the drama and suspense, and unlike many other offerings in this genre, has hardly any gaps in logic. The acting is superlative; Vera Farmiga and Lili Taylor are especially affecting as the wives/mothers particularly vulnerable to the proceedings. There are horror movies like Jeepers Creepers that just aim to scare and succeed in that department. The Conjuring, on the other hand, is not just about being scary but leaves the viewer gasping because what took place really happened and can happen to anyone. Let this therefore be a cautionary tale as well.