The Conjuring
Based on the actual files kept by the Warren Family, paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) have seen and heard their share of things that go bump in the night; known as experts in the field of demonology and the supernatural the two have proven and disproven scores of hauntings over the course of their career. But, it’ll take all of Warren’s efforts to exorcise the evil that lurks within the house of Roger and Carolyn Perron (Ron Livingston and Lili Taylor). Evil intent on draining the life from all that stands on the property the Perron’s have just purchased. Adding to the difficulty are the Perron’s five unbaptized little girls– easy prey for evil. It’ll be a race of time, but how to bottle this tempest?
Directed by known horror quantity James Wan, The Conjuring sits as a truly disturbing and successfully frightening experience from start to finish, a departure from the torture porn of SAW and semi-misfires of Insidious and Dead Silence. Instead of relying on gore or impossible scary monsters to deliver a message, classic auditory haunts and clever visual pops will keep the audience gripping their seats tight. And, big points in the scoring department in the choice of Diamanda Galás (Avant-garde vocalist) for added auditory terror. Performances from Wilson and Farmiga do feel a little nutty at times but Livingston and Taylor prove to be steady from start to finish. Serving as a fun introduction to the Warren’s work for the uninitiated this one’s worth the ride, if you’re up for it. The Conjuring is rated R.