The universe of conjuring has made a name for itself as one of the most watched horror series of all time, successfully melded real life with extreme horror through the works of Ed and Lorraine Warren, the paranormal investigators. The third installment, “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” also based on The Conjuring series takes a step further from the previous two parts made and intertwines classic horrors with courtroom dramas off the now infamous 1981 murder case of Arne Cheyenne Johnson.
The movie, produced by James Wan, is directed by Michael Chaves and took a different approach compared to the predecessors, moving away from the haunted houses and instead, intricately explored demonic possessions, satanic rituals, as well as the consequences that followed the supernatural events. Although the movie had it’s share of suspense and on-screen frights, the primary question still remains. Does it truly live up to the name or the ‘chilling legacy’ of the previous installments?
Summary
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It highlights Ed and Lorraine Warren’s farthest supernatural activities based in fear from 1981, when they are summoned to investigate a case. The film starts with an eight-year-old child, David Glatzel, being exorcised. It is a violent and disturbing event where David is seen screaming menacingly and painfully twisting his body. Arne Cheyanne Johnson (Ruairi O’Connor) David’s brother-in-law, looks like he is tormenting David during this procedure. Somewhere in the middle of it, Arne daringly tells David to let the demon take over him. This incredibly reckless act of Arne subsequently alters the course of his life.
Subsequent days, Arne brutally kills his landlord under vaguely defined circumstances. Upon self-reporting, Arne is detained, all while claiming to have no recollection of the murder. The police investigation activates the attention of the Warrens, who step in, undertaking the resolve to demonstrate how Arne was possessed by a demon while killing. This leads to a caretaking investigation where demolition of a darker purpose to the possession and a satanic cult comes to surface.
While Lorraine seeks the occultist who summoned the demon using her clairvoyant abilities, the Warrens are left to deal with a network of curses, rituals, and disturbing visions. At the same time, Ed tries to cope with losing a heart during the ritualistic exorcism, where he suffers a heart attack. With the trial approaching, the Warrens are however faced with a dilemma like no other when it comes to royalty: in the courtroom, they are tasked with proving the existence of the supernatural, which until now has not been done by anyone.
Symbolism and Themes
Faith in Opposition to The Justice System
One of the more attention-grabbing features of the movie is where the supernatural collides with law in the courtroom. This, ‘The Devil Made Me Do It’ was Arne Johnson’s real-life defense which served Arne Johnson for the first time in US history the use of demonic possession in a murder trial. The movie illustrates the conflict between faith and the law by proving the existence of the paranormal. This particular instance raises a query regarding the practicality of dealing with the existence of a person, and what faith can do, or more accurately, what havoc it can cause.
Relationship and Altruism
To begin with, the overarching theme of the series has always been that of Ed and Lorraine Warren’s love. In this regard, the couple’s bond is constantly strained, as Ed’s health worsens which places even greater demands on Lorraine’s psychic abilities. Their unswerving faith in one another will prove essential in the mental and physical challenges they face.
The Evil Within and Freedom
This film extends beyond the haunted houses present in the other Conjuring movies and focuses deeper into the topic of curses and the role humans play in wielding evil. The antagonist, a secretive witch offers an insight into the true evil that exists — signifying that horror is not exclusive to the supernatural. Rather, it stems from humanity too.
With Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga reprising their roles as Ed and Lorraine Warren, they deliver yet again through elaborate portrayals of the couple. Their chemistry and emotional depth provides a sense of realism in the movie and makes the audience care for them aside from the terror they are seeking.
Ruairi O’Connor delivers a decent performance as Arne Johnson, displaying nuances of both a vulnerable and petrified male in the midst of possession versus reality.
As indelibly noted by the audience, Sarah Catherine Hook as Debbie Glatzel (Arne’s girlfriend) provides a gentle and moving performance which adds depth to the story.
Eugenie Bondurant’s performance as a creepy occultist adds a unique touch that sets her apart from other villains in The Conjuring.
Despite the strong performances, the antagonist of the film does not strike as much fear as other characters like The Nun and The Crooked Man.
Cinematography and Direction
Michael Chaves, the director of the Curse of La Llorona (2019), now assumes the helm from James Wan. Although he does succeed in ensuring that the franchise remains frightening, his focus seems to be more on mystery – thriller elements rather than horror. The cinematography employs shadowy perspectives, unnerving close-ups, and even haunting dream sequences for more tension which Michael Burgess does brilliantly.
Some scenes worth mentioning are:
The exorcism scene at the beginning, one of the most intense parts of the film.
Lorrraines’s psychic investigation turns into her cespuring chilling visions of murders from the past.
The bookshelf bed scene, a tribute to classic haunted house horror.
Although Chaves manages to pull off some great scares, the film itself lacks deep rooted fear that its predecessors like The Conjuring (2013) and The Conjuring 2 (2016) was so terrifyingly good at portraying.
Critical Reception and Audience Reactions
The Conjuring – The Devil Made Me Do It received mixed to positive ratings following its release. This film received a 6.3/10 average rating on IMDB as it garnered a divided response to the transition from haunted-house horror to investigative thriller.
Final Verdict
Final Rating: 7/10
This film is an innovative attempt to broaden the boundaries of the Conjuring universe which is famous for its haunted-house horror. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It encompasses real life trials involving satanic rituals which adds new facets to the film. Nevertheless, because this film lacked consistent horror and the villain was disappointing, it was unable to meet the standards set by its predecessor.
Even though this is not the most terrifying film in the series, it is still a fascinating supernatural thriller. Fans of the Conjuring universe are likely to appreciate this film. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It is fascinating for those who enjoy horror and investigation alongside supernatural mysteries.