Logan Sork Film Reviews
The Conjuring
I’m not the biggest fan of horror movies. If I’m being honest, I’m kind of a wimp when it comes to being scared. That’s not the only reason I’m not a fan though, part of it is what modern horror films have become. They have become films that rely on cheap scares, thin characters and convoluted stories. These tactics may succeed in getting audiences scared, but they fail in producing a compelling film. There is no substance to be found in most horror movies these days, thankfully The Conjuring relies on more than just cheap scares and gimmicks. At the center of the film is a compelling story about family filled with interesting, dynamic characters that help balance out the tense and scary moments of the film. The film manages to walk a fine line between drama and horror, striking a perfect balance between compelling plot and characters, and terrifying moments that help it to elevate above the run of the mill horror film.
The Conjuring is directed by James Wan and is based on a case which was investigated by famous paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga). The haunting in question takes place in a farmhouse in rural Rhode Island, in which the Perron family has recently moved into. The haunting starts off small, but as things escalate Carolyn Perron (Lili Taylor) contacts the Warrens to assist them in ridding their house of the demonic presence. The Warrens must work in order uncover the mystery of the haunting and save the Perron family, before the presence overtakes and destroys them.
So, what elevates The Conjuring above the average horror film? Well for one thing it’s the scare tactics that the film employs. Many horror films have resorted to the jump scare tactic in which all the sound dies out, only for something loud and unexpected to happen. It’s jarring yes, bit also cheap as anyone can be scared of a loud noise. The film does use this at times, but it mainly relies on the unseen to be truly effective. Wan employs the tactic of presenting something unexpected on the screen, but he also builds up to those moments of horror, resulting in a scare that is more effective. Wan presents something on the screen and has it accompanied by no loud music or effect, this results in a far more effective image that sticks with the audience rather than a cheap gimmick that lasts about one second.
The film also has a great story and characters at its center stage. Many horror films rely heavily on one dimensional characters, as a way to help the audience focus on the scares rather than the characters. This film contains dynamic and interesting characters, which in my opinion truly improves the horror aspects of the film, as we hope these characters make it out of the situations they are in. The Warrens are portrayed excellently by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. They carry an aura of expertise and intelligence that is missing in most other horror films. The family is also well developed and likeable, they begin the film innocent and hopeful, but as the hauntings increase, they are nearly driven insane as a result.
This leads into one of the greatest elements of the film, the underlying themes that it carries. Themes of family and hope are instrumental to the film’s plot and story. Many horror films abandon themes and ideas in favor of scares. With The Conjuring the idea of family is the only way that they can defeat the evil that infects the household. There is a surprising emotional journey that we see as the family deals with this haunting, allowing for a wider range of appeal than your average horror film.
Despite all of the positives that are found in this film, there are some problems that must be addresses. Because it is a horror film, characters sometimes make decisions that would seem, in one way or another, stupid to us. There is also a point towards the end of the film where it begins to lose its subtlety and becomes over the top in its imagery. This results in a faster pace that, while thrilling, results in a loss of genuine scares. So, while the first two thirds of the film are subtle and atmospheric, the final act loses much of the films steam.
So, while the film has problems, it is undeniably excellent. By placing an emphasis on characters, story, and themes of family, The Conjuring makes for a not only thrilling film, but one we can get invested in. The investment we put into this film elevates it from being another run of the mill horror film and one that will be remembered for being as engaging and emotional as it is scary.
8.5/10
The Conjuring is directed by James Wan and is based on a case which was investigated by famous paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga). The haunting in question takes place in a farmhouse in rural Rhode Island, in which the Perron family has recently moved into. The haunting starts off small, but as things escalate Carolyn Perron (Lili Taylor) contacts the Warrens to assist them in ridding their house of the demonic presence. The Warrens must work in order uncover the mystery of the haunting and save the Perron family, before the presence overtakes and destroys them.
So, what elevates The Conjuring above the average horror film? Well for one thing it’s the scare tactics that the film employs. Many horror films have resorted to the jump scare tactic in which all the sound dies out, only for something loud and unexpected to happen. It’s jarring yes, bit also cheap as anyone can be scared of a loud noise. The film does use this at times, but it mainly relies on the unseen to be truly effective. Wan employs the tactic of presenting something unexpected on the screen, but he also builds up to those moments of horror, resulting in a scare that is more effective. Wan presents something on the screen and has it accompanied by no loud music or effect, this results in a far more effective image that sticks with the audience rather than a cheap gimmick that lasts about one second.
The film also has a great story and characters at its center stage. Many horror films rely heavily on one dimensional characters, as a way to help the audience focus on the scares rather than the characters. This film contains dynamic and interesting characters, which in my opinion truly improves the horror aspects of the film, as we hope these characters make it out of the situations they are in. The Warrens are portrayed excellently by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. They carry an aura of expertise and intelligence that is missing in most other horror films. The family is also well developed and likeable, they begin the film innocent and hopeful, but as the hauntings increase, they are nearly driven insane as a result.
This leads into one of the greatest elements of the film, the underlying themes that it carries. Themes of family and hope are instrumental to the film’s plot and story. Many horror films abandon themes and ideas in favor of scares. With The Conjuring the idea of family is the only way that they can defeat the evil that infects the household. There is a surprising emotional journey that we see as the family deals with this haunting, allowing for a wider range of appeal than your average horror film.
Despite all of the positives that are found in this film, there are some problems that must be addresses. Because it is a horror film, characters sometimes make decisions that would seem, in one way or another, stupid to us. There is also a point towards the end of the film where it begins to lose its subtlety and becomes over the top in its imagery. This results in a faster pace that, while thrilling, results in a loss of genuine scares. So, while the first two thirds of the film are subtle and atmospheric, the final act loses much of the films steam.
So, while the film has problems, it is undeniably excellent. By placing an emphasis on characters, story, and themes of family, The Conjuring makes for a not only thrilling film, but one we can get invested in. The investment we put into this film elevates it from being another run of the mill horror film and one that will be remembered for being as engaging and emotional as it is scary.
8.5/10