The Conjuring – Movie Review
From reviews I knew that ‘The Conjuring’ was a step back from all these ‘found footage’ movies and torture porns (Saw, Hostel) we got over the last couple of years. Yes, we are talking about a horror film. And for me all the Paranormal Activities, Hostels and Saws are not exactly horror films. They are a mixture of all kinds of things without too many classical elements. The Conjuring is a welcome step back to a more traditional setup.
The movie does have a very usual storyline but it’s nothing to complain about, since it’s mainly the seriousness of the characters that make this movie work. It’s about a family that tries to find a new start in life and decides to move into a house. Of course this house has a strange and violent past. Soon after moving into the house they experience some weird events. The only way to resolve the situation is to seek help from professionals. And they find help in a couple that is specialized in exorcism and dealing with supernatural things. After taking a look at the house again everyone agrees that something needs to be done. The house, almost a character of its own, doesn’t like that and starts to ramp up the attacks.
The movie is loosely based on true events. Which is hard to believe. We all know how Hollywood works. Nonethelese I really enjoyed this movie a lot. While watching I recognized elements from classics like The Exorcist or Poltergeist. And I guess it’s those classic elements that made The Conjuring the box office and critical success it was. It’s back to the roots and not the ‘in your face’ thing we get most of the time today. The horror element isn’t gore or jump scares… the movie is more about what you can not see instead of the “BAM! here it is”. There are a couple of scenes where they really nicely mess with your head. Some great “is there something in the corner or isn’t?!” moments.
The casting is very good too. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson play the couple that tries to clean the house. Both of them create a very dense atmosphere and mood with how serious they portrait their characters. Lili Taylor and Ron Livingston play the house owners and do a great job as well. I really enjoyed how both of them had no idea how to react to what’s going on in the house. Ever since Band Of Brothers and Office Space I have a soft spot for Ron Livingston and I’m glad he got the part in this movie. He’s a very versatile actor and got a chance to show it here. All around solid acting from all of them. The kid actors as well. No complaints there too.
If you’re interested in a modern horror film that works on the foundations of classics like The Exorcist and Poltergeist… this will be your thing! Check it out. A fantastic movie!
7.8/10
