The Conjuring movie review

Rating: 8/10 (7 October 2013)

The year is 1971, and experienced paranormal researchers Ed and Lorraine Warren have a new case on their hands in the latest horror film by New Line Cinema, "The Conjuring". This case is said to be so terrifying that they have refused to share it until now. The Perrons, a relatable all- American family, are moving into a new house in the middle of the country, when the strange occurrences begin to unfold. Based on a true story, this film is a roller coaster of sheer terror. The paranormal researchers, Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine (Vera Farmiga) prefer to be addressed by their names, rather than ghost hunters, demonologists, or paranormal researchers. Together they have a young daughter, whom they care very deeply about, yet neglect to spend enough time with her due to their demanding job. Both Wilson and Farmiga put on great performances, adding to the realism, emotion and fear felt in certain scenes. Perhaps the most outstanding performance in the film was that of actress Lili Taylor who played the mother role of Carolyn Perron. A mother of five who cares for her children, whose composure steadily crumbles as the film progresses. The amount of care she shows for her children is what any good mother would feel, she's not sugar-coated or cookie-cutter perfect, but she's real, and that's what makes you believe and feel the same emotions and horrors the family is experiencing. What this film lacks in the gore and nudity department is more than reclaimed with the dark atmosphere and intensity held steadily throughout the picture, which is the reason the film received its "R" rating. "The Conjuring" is sure to please most horror fans. Director James Wan (known for directing Saw, Insidious, and Dead Silence) pays tribute to such classics as Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining" while also keeping true to the actual haunting of the Perron family. The film is sure to scare the pants off of anyone brave enough to view it, and the story is also a nice change in pace from some of the recent box office horror movie flops. Grab a bucket of popcorn and a crucifix and go check out one of the scariest horror films of 2013!