Conjuring, The (10/22/2013)

Rated R for sequences of disturbing violence and terror.

Starring Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Ron Livingston and Lili Taylor

Directed by James Wan (Saw and Insidious)

The Conjuring is definitely one of the scarier films I’ve seen in quite a while. I actually enjoyed it. The question I ask myself is… should I enjoy it?

Before there was Amityville, there was Harrisville. The Conjuring tells the true story of Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga), 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 horrifying case of their lives.

This film makes a strong case for being a true story. There are pictures of the actual people and even a quote from Warren as the end credits begin to roll. We do know that the Perrons and both Ed and Lorraine Warren are real people (Ed passed away several years ago) and Lorraine has appeared on TV’s Paranormal State.

As a Christian, it’s impossible for me to approach a movie like this without a Biblical worldview. So even though this film was an intriguing piece of art, I’m a little disturbed with people’s fascination with the paranormal. On one hand, I like that people are intrigued with the spiritual. Sadly, that intrigue seems to be focused on the dark realm.

So how was this film technically? It probably achieved its purpose.

My wife and her friends like scary movies, and they dragged me to the theaters to see this one. Unlike me, they love being scared half to death. So reluctantly I agreed and did my best not to scream like a girl.

Surprisingly, The Conjuring was scary, intense and clever. Sure there are a few jump out of the seat moments, but most of the chills comes from straight up terrifying scenes of a family being tormented from an evil spirit. The music helps with that feeling of dread and anticipating something awful happening.

Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Ron Livingston and Lili Taylor are all very impressive and very believable as their real life counterparts.

Whether the story is in fact true or not is for another conversation. The story in the film is well written and intelligent…a rarity in the horror genre.

Finally there is the attention to detail. This film is set in 1971 and everything from the wardrobe to the giant counsel TV helps to transport you to another time and place.

The biggest question many of you are going to have to ask about this film is, do you really even want to watch a movie about demonic activity. As Christians, we know that the spiritual realm is real, active and can be very terrifying. I’ll leave it to you to decide whether you want to watch this kind of imagery.

As art, I give this film a score of “RENTAL.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Definitely not for young kids. The main plot of the film involves a haunted house and demonic possession. The majority of the film is very atmospheric and moody, with many sights and sounds that some may find disturbing.

There is no sex or nudity and the profanity is on the mild side.

Overall, the film is more frightening than gory; not much blood is shown, except during an intense scene at the climax.

CONVERSATION STARTER
The main plot of the film involves a demonic possession, which is a real and serious spiritual battle. This battle is raging on around us all the time.

1. Read Ephesians 6:12 ”For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

   So how can we prepare ourselves for a spiritual battle?



2. Read Ephesians 6:13-18 “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

   Finally Read 1 John 4:4 “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

   Who is “the one who is in you”? And who is “the one who is in the world”?