The Conjuring (2013)

Director: James Wan

Cast: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Lili Taylor, Ron Livingston  

Plot: Parren family moves to a beautiful country house, soon to find out it's haunted. The Warrens—supernatural researchers—are the only ones who can help.

 

Based on real life accounts of Parren family's paranormal experiences with demonic entities and Warren couple helping them out, The Conjuring has a very generic plot that is just about perfectly executed.

Director James Wan explores the well-worn horror sub-genre 'haunted house in remote country' and comes up trump. It is indeed one of the better crafted horror films in recent times—punching well above its weight all through—that is buoyed up by solid performances from all and sundry.

The film doesn't simply surge into action, it first sets up an eerie atmosphere that envelops the viewers, yet steers clear of any yawn inducing moments. At the same time, it isn't overcrowded with exaggerated spooky moments either, just enough to keep the audiences on the edge of their seats.

Post-film, "Hide-and-clap" is definitely going to be the in-thing (along the lines of Bloody Mary, if you recall that). There are some neatly accomplished and decisive scenes around clairvoyant Mrs.Warren's perceptive visions—watch out for ones by the gloomy lake! Moreover, it isn't just a hard-core horror film that taxes you no end, there are some very dulcet family-time scenes and lighthearted humor too, that eventually make viewers feel/care more for the characters.

Best part was watching the film in good, old 2D with bare minimum digital effects.

Overall, a good watch—experience enhanced more because of  a well-engaged, reactive yet disciplined, theater audience! 

7.7/10