“Diabolical forces are formidable. These forces are eternal, and they exist today. The fairy tale is true. The devil exists. God exists. And for us, as people, our very destiny hinges upon which one we elect to follow.”
- Ed Warren
Let’s delve into a movie from an iconic horror franchise - The Conjuring. The Conjuring series stands out as one of the rare horror franchises where each movie offers a thrilling experience on its own, without the need to watch the rest of the movies in the series. Though, you may want to anyway. Marketed as true stories from renowned demonologists and paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren, the series has certainly embraced some elements of exaggeration over time. Nevertheless, it remains a captivating series worth watching.
The film centers around the Perron family, a wholesome unit with five daughters, as they embark on a new chapter in a new home. Interestingly, the Perrons are a real family who resided in the Rhode Island farmhouse where the eerie events unfolded between 1970 and 1980. Both the Perrons and Lorraine Warren were involved in the making of The Conjuring, adding a slight authentic touch to the narrative. These events are also documented in Andrea Perron’s gripping 2011 book, “House of Darkness House of Light.”
Ed Warren introduces viewers to the three stages of demonic possession: infestation, oppression, and possession, setting the stage for the harrowing journey the Perron family endures.
Infestation
Infestation marks the initial eerie occurrences - footsteps in empty corridors, mysterious knocks, and an ever-present sense of being watched. The movie vividly portrays this phase with the Perrons encountering strange odors and sudden drops in temperature, signaling the beginning of their ordeal.
Oppression
Oppression intensifies the terror, with the entity unleashing physical harm on the family, from the tragic loss of their dog Sadie to the haunting manifestation of bruises on Carolyn's body. The demon's goal becomes clear - to inflict pain and chaos while draining the life force of each family member, but especially Carolyn as it prepares to make her commit the ultimate sacrifice - her children.
Possession
The culmination of horror arrives with possession, as Carolyn falls victim to the malevolent force, and faces the worst in a scene of terrifying exorcism. This final stage reveals the true extent of the entity's power, threatening not just the Perrons but also those around them.
Paranormal vs. Movie-Made Lore
Amidst the spine-chilling narrative, questions of truth and reality emerge. While some aspects may be open to interpretation, instances similar to those depicted in The Conjuring have been reported, blurring the lines between imagination and the supernatural.
April's imaginary friend, Rory, who unveils a darker connection to the haunting past of Bathsheba's land is actually a feasible situation. Children typically have a stronger connection to the other side, and their sensitivity and vulnerability make them susceptible to what adults often call imaginary friends.
These spirits can be harmless, lonely entities looking for someone to spend time with. However, there are cases of dark or evil
spirits or even demonic entities looking to cause chaos, Choosing a curious and innocent child is an easy entryway into a family's daily lives. This twist adds layers of unease, questioning the innocence of childhood fantasies against the backdrop of a malevolent presence.
In the movie, Bathsheba has a sinister history, drawing from real-life legends surrounding her dark deeds, and the haunting mysteries surrounding her legacy. While the movie may take creative liberties, it raises compelling questions about the true nature of the malevolent forces at play.
The enduring fascination with The Conjuring extends beyond the screen, with the actual farmhouse in Rhode Island becoming a pilgrimage site for fans and paranormal enthusiasts alike. It stands as a testament to the enduring impact of the Perron family's terrifying ordeal, inviting visitors to step into the chilling atmosphere where reality and horror intertwine.