The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It

REVIEW:

I was already apprehensive going into The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, the third movie in The Conjuring series. Without James Wan in the director’s chair, the movie was handed over to Michael Chaves, who previously directed the lacklustre The Curse of La Llorona. Given Chaves’ uneven track record, my expectations were somewhat tempered, especially since Wan’s directorial touch had made the first two movies not just standout entries in the Conjuring franchise, but modern horror classics in their own right. Fortunately, The Devil Made Me Do It is a significant step up from La Llorona. However, Wan’s absence is still sorely felt, as the film lacks the intricate scares and atmosphere he masterfully crafted in the first two films.

The movie opens with a horrifically intense exorcism scene that feels like a direct nod to The Exorcist. This sequence is a jolt of horror that sets a promising tone, but sadly, the film struggles to maintain this energy, and the scares become sparse as the story unfolds. Despite its strong beginning, the film doesn’t reach the same level of tension or horror that made its predecessors so memorable. Instead, it leans into a hybrid of crime thriller and supernatural elements, which works for a fresh take but sacrifices much of the terrifying atmosphere fans might expect from a Conjuring film.

As always, Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga are stellar as Ed and Lorraine Warren, breathing life into the film with their undeniable chemistry and commitment to their characters. They carry the entire movie on their shoulders, and because fans have grown so attached to the Warrens, watching Ed suffer a heart attack and the constant threat of his weakened state creates genuine emotional stakes. The film plays up the couple’s dynamic, making their relationship feel more central than in the previous instalments, which is an endearing and effective choice even if it doesn’t amplify the scares.

To its credit, The Devil Made Me Do It makes a conscious effort to avoid the repetitive “haunted house” formula. This instalment follows a unique plot structure that feels more like a paranormal investigation with a hint of legal drama, grounded by an interesting true crime element. It’s intriguing to watch the Warrens tackle a witchcraft-related case, bringing a fresh twist to the series. While the story is engaging, especially with the theme of faith versus scepticism, it strays away from delivering on the horror that Conjuring fans expect.  The morgue scene stands out as one of the few genuinely creepy moments, though overall, the scares are noticeably toned down.

The film’s attempt to shift genres has its strengths, but the lack of bone-chilling sequences does feel like a missed opportunity. Although the story of Arnie Johnson and his demonic possession trial is intriguing and different, the supernatural thriller aspects overshadow the horror, giving the film a less intense edge compared to its predecessors.  A powerful line from Ed—“The court accepts the existence of God every time a witness swears to tell the truth. I think it’s about time they accept the existence of the devil”—is delivered to Arnie’s lawyer, capturing the moral complexity at the heart of this real-life case. This line encapsulates the blend of faith and fear that runs through the series.

The film ends on a chilling note by playing the actual recording of David’s exorcism during the credits, which might be the most unnerving part of the entire movie. Ruairi O’Connor gives a strong performance as Arnie, but the film primarily focuses on Ed and Lorraine, and I can’t complain about getting more screen time with these two beloved characters. While The Devil Made Me Do It doesn’t reach the heights of its predecessors, it’s still an enjoyable, if less frightening, chapter in the Conjuring universe. It tries something new and largely succeeds in telling an interesting story, but it lacks the deeply unsettling horror moments that define The Conjuring films.