The Conjuring
Before the franchise expanded with demonic nuns, crooked tall men, and spiritual objects collected and used like infinity stones, The Conjuring delivered a classic story of a haunted house and demonic possession. More than a decade later, it remains one of the most effective horror films of its kind. Dare I say.. it’s a modern classic? It’s everything you want in a horror film. The jump scares are wonderfully executed, perfectly building the anxiety before getting you. The atmosphere, filled with gloom and fear, has yet to be matched in its sequels.
The performances are some of the best in a possession story. Vera and Patrick are one of the strongest on screen couples to date and they make the Warrens’ love feel unbreakable. Lili Taylor delivers a horrifying yet deeply emotional performance as Carolyn, her possession coming to an end in that scene will always bring me to tears. From using the love for her family to fight it off to the despair she portrays while fighting the witch.. it just gets me everytime!!
The soundtrack deserves its own mention. The family theme is one of the most tender pieces of music in a horror film, filling me with hope every time I hear it. The Conjuring is truly a special film for accomplishing what many others fail to do. It delivers scares, tension and pure fear while also weaving in heart and love that leaves you feeling the good feels by the end.
And yes, I am absolutely that person who puts on The Conjuring to fall asleep. It is my comfort movie 🖤