When James Wan introduced the world to The Conjuring starring Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson in 2013, but who would have thought it was going to spawn not only a franchise, but an entire universe of spin-off films. Since its debut we have gotten to witness not only the three main films in the franchise, but also The Curse of La Llorona and multiple The Nun and Anabelle films. With the final chapter The Conjuring: Last Rites preparing to haunt its way into theaters this year what better time to revisit the one that started it all.

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The Conjuring follows the horrifying true story of Ed and Lorraine Warren, world renowned paranormal investigators, who were called to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in a secluded farmhouse. Forced to confront a powerful demonic entity, the Warrens find themselves caught in the most terrifying case of their lives.

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Coming off of the SAW and Insidious films, Wan had already cemented his place in the world of horror, but The Conjuring took things to a new level. At the time I felt this was his best film at the time that used the 70s aesthetic and slow build to bring the tension and terror to the masses successfully. As someone who is usually let down by the haunting style horror films this one turned the corner for me and truly hit the mark.

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The true story elements of the Warrens help to makes the movie more relatable within the supernatural elements you are dealing with. Both Farmiga and Wilson are outstanding and worthy of the long running franchise this spawned. Lili Taylor is fantastic here fully embracing the broad range of emotions that she is put through as the horrors get worse. There are so many great visuals and tension building moments that you feel the unease of waiting for the next thing to hit. It’s rare for me that a film like this stands the test of time, but this on works every time.

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