The Conjuring (2013)

After the groundbreaking success of Saw and Insidious, there were no doubts about how director James Wan's newest fright-fest The Conjuring would terrify and amaze horror audiences around the world. Unsurprisingly, Wan didn't fail to deliver one of the scariest films in recent years.



The Conjuring tells the tale of a case taken on by real life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. The Perron family move into their new home only to become victims of an extreme haunting. Things go bump in the night, doors open and close, lights go out, and, of course, phantom hands clap in the darkness. When it is obvious that something must be done, the Perrons contact the Warrens, who discover the dark secrets of the house and the malicious entity residing within.

While it may be based on true events, The Conjuring is neither a remake nor an adaptation, and is the first time that the story of the Perrons and their Rhode Island home. The story itself was gripping, frightening, and utterly terrifying. So terrifying, in fact, that it is the sole reason for The Conjuring's R rating. The film features no nudity, excessive violence, or profanity, the ratings board simply found it so scary that they felt an R rating was necessary.

The film itself is beautifully crafted, with Wan's signature cinematography making it a truly well put together movie. Wan also makes fantastic use of shadows and darkness, sure to keep viewers up all night, searching for movement in the dark corners of their homes. Much like with Insidious, Wan uses pacing to create some real, genuine scares, and does not rely on the beaten-to-death "jump scare" technique.

Of all the characters in the film, Patrick Wilson's Ed Warren certainly stands out the most. Vera Farmiga's performance as Lorraine Warren completed the fantastic portrayal of two of the world's most highly renowned and respected paranormal investigators. While Ed Warren is no longer with us, Lorraine makes a blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo during one of the lectures on demonic possession. While making the film, James Wan closely consulting with Lorraine, who has stated that, for the most part, the film remains accurate and true to the real-life events that occurred at the Perron family's home.

Overall, The Conjuring is certainly the scariest film of 2013, and will likely remain the scariest film come year's end. It is a beautifully crafted fright-fest that will certainly have a lasting effect on viewers, and will definitely have you checking your closets before turning out the lights.