The most chilling supernatural thriller in years

Rating: 9/10 (28 July 2013)

On paper, the premise of The Conjuring reads like a carbon copy of any other supernatural thriller, but to dismiss it as such would be to deprive oneself of experiencing the most chilling horror film in years.
Carolyn (Lili Taylor) and Roger Perron (Ron Livingston) have invested all of their savings into purchasing a large farmhouse to raise their five daughters. Almost immediately, the family begins to experience sinister phenomenon that escalates so violently that they make a desperate plea for help to notable paranormal investigators, Lorraine (Vera Farmiga) and Ed (Patrick Wilson) Warren. Accustomed to dealing malevolent spirit activity, even the Warren's are unprepared for the hostile evil that dwells within the Perron's home.
The Conjuring is a perfect example of how a stale premise can be transformed by quality filmmaking. Director, James Wan, of Saw and Insidious fame, is a master of the genre. Wan goes back to a much more traditional and grounded style of delivering scares, mercifully avoiding overblown CGI.
Another main contributor to the film's success is the intelligent screenplay by Chad and Carey Hayes, whom treat the material with the same respect as one might a great drama. There's not one superfluous scene in The Conjuring as the tension unrelentingly builds throughout.
Adding further weight to the project is the stellar cast. Livingston and Taylor have long been amongst the most under-appreciated actors around and are always welcome screen presences thanks to their amazing versatility. Wilson and Farmiga are flawless as the Warren's. Both are the type of performer that elevates whatever project they're in and it's indisputable that the actors make what would have always been a good film great.
With a look, tone and quality reminiscent of the all time great horror flicks, The Conjuring is one of the best surprises of the year.
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