THE CONJURING: THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT (2021) SIMPLY SCARELESS. MOVIE REVIEW

Franchise running thin.

Franchises in Hollywood are one of the most profitable businesses. The opportunity to make a series of films based on an original that was successful represents a safe business since it will bring profits by already having a captive audience. Unfortunately for this audience, these sequels, spin-offs, and other derivations of the original film are of lesser quality. Usually, the creators of the original concept cease to be the ones who run the new projects. These films are made on limited budgets or in a hurry. After all, fans are going to see it and spend their money. Some of these not-so-great characteristics are present in The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, the third part of the Conjuring saga. In 2013, The Conjuring was the first installment which James Wan successfully directed. This film launched The Conjuring Universe, and the latest is the eighth production.

Based in a real life case

In 1981, we begin with the Warrens as participants in the exorcism of the boy David Glatzel. The session gets out of control due to the resistance of the demonic presence, and Arne, David’s sister’s boyfriend, offers himself for the demon to inhabit it and thus free the boy. A few weeks later, Arne begins to have hallucinations that lead to the murder of his landlord Bruno. Arne faces a murder trial. The defense claims that the motive for the murder was demonic possession, and it is the Warrens’ turn to investigate to prove this claim.

Based on the authentic events of the Arne Cheyenne Johnson trial, also known as the Devil Made Me Do It case. This case was the first trial in the United States in which demonic possession was argued as a motive for murder. The Warrens were a central part of the whole process, which gave them national relevance. As expected, the argument was unsuccessful, and Arne served years in jail when he was found guilty.

Horror flick with no scares

The first scene where the Warrens are participants in the exorcism of the boy David is effective and augured good things for the film. But unfortunately, this is the best moment of the whole movie. We do not see a scene with the same impact again. Director Michael Chaves does a serviceable but uninspiring job and manages to create a good atmosphere. But he commits the greatest sin in a horror movie: Chaves directed a horror film that frankly does not scare. He does not know how to create suspenseful situations, much less horrific ones. There are not even cheap jump scares. This absence of the most indispensable ingredients in any horror flick makes this Conjuring entry an emotionally flat film.

Good acting, recycled score.

The lead actors are solid in portraying the Warrens. In particular, Vera Farmiga characterizes Lorraine Warren convincingly in a constant state of distress. The cinematography achieves a very reliable job in its use of dark places with insufficient light. In addition to having some very well-achieved shots and in general, the film is quite attractive to the eye. But at the same time, the script is notably weak and lazy. Although its soundtrack has some good songs from classic artists like Blondie, Elvis Presley, and Van Morrison, the score is not spectacular. Falling in a common trend in Hollywood, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It recycles scores from several films. In particular, Sicario Day of the Soldado (2018) and The Purge (2013). This situation does not help the film develop an identity.

A good night sleep.

The Conjuring Universe has some high points, but mostly are lows in its catalog. They are supposed to be films that the viewer should, at least, think twice about to venture to see them home alone at night. Although with good cinematography and solid performances, the story excludes any moments of suspense or horror. The Conjuring the Devil Made Me Do It is not going to take anyone’s sleep.

Delirium Score