It often comes across as a joke or at the very least entertainment. The meme that will occasionally float around the internet is if you can watch a horror movie and go to bed afterwards, you are a psychopath. To quote Billy Loomis, ala Scream, “don't you blame the movies. Movies don't create psychos. Movies make psychos more creative!” It’s the same argument about video games giving generations of kids violent ideas. According to a 2007 article from Reuter, the FCC has come to the conclusion that the violence of horror movies can have a short term effect, with which Halloween and The Thing director John Carpenter disagreed. 

I guess I can place my own experience into this one. Growing up I was obsessed with Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, to the point where I would imitate the moves on family members when I would see them. Specifically just family - not friends or neighbors, not sure what that says about me as an individual. Eventually I grew out of that phase; even if I do watch the occasional episode or two. Then I discovered horror movies and they quickly became intimate with my anger and mental health. I would watch horror movies, not for entertainment, but almost as a therapeutic exercise. (I should specify it was specifically Saw and a mountain of slasher films I would do this with.) Any time I was angry, I would watch horror movies, the most violent scenes imaginable, and I would imagine I was the killer. Whoever was the source of my anger that day - they were the victim. 

I had an unhealthy relationship with these characters and thrust myself into their violent worlds to cure my own blood lust. I found my own mental health beginning to suffer greatly from this practice. Eventually I brought myself to a point where I had to step away from the genre and get healthy. I came into better contact with my faith and my identity before returning. Today I am a walking contradiction to some people. They don’t understand how I can be a Christian and still love these horror movies. To be honest it’s movies like The Exorcist and The Conjuring films that have illustrated why the two have common grounds. The films which are bringing the conversation of religion into the world of entertainment. Sometimes they mirror actual events like the latest chapter in The Conjuring Universe.

The Devil Made Me Do It is a riveting mystery that sets the Warrens (Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga) on a journey to prove a young man is innocent of murder and was, in fact, possessed by a demon. By this point in The Conjuring Universe we have seen a decent amount of stories that have stretched from the early 50s and Devil brings them into the early 80s. While I personally was a tad underwhelmed with The Conjuring 2 for its formulaic approach to the storytelling and over complex plot; Devil returns the Warrens to form for the first time in 8 years since the franchise began. For starters, this film thrusts the audience right into the case from its first frame.

Unlike the first two Conjuring films, Devil isn’t looking to set up future installments (a la Annabelle) or tease famous cases from the demonologists couple (The Amityville Horror). It is merely focused on telling a good story. Though the film might feel like it waivers at times, the filmmakers bring the narrative right back to the main plot. That’s incredibly refreshing, especially in a “universe” setting. Devil feels like it was made to stand on its own and that’s one of the major reasons it works so well. Sure, there are previous franchise nods to the Perron Family, from the first Conjuring, and to Annabelle. This film seems to thrive on its individuality and comes alive in that singularity. It is also worth noting that this is the first Conjuring movie not directed by James Wan. The film is directed by Michael Chaves, who previously directed The Curse of La Llorona. 

While his previous entry into the franchise wasn’t the strongest addition, it is a pretty smooth transition from Wan to Chaves. Chaves does a marvelous job behind the camera, creating a compelling narrative that steps back from the original formula of these movies to carve out a bold new chapter for the series. Perhaps one of the best reasons this film stands out among its brothers and sisters is the previous mentioning of the formula being broken. For reasons I won’t spoil here, Devil feels like the first film where it's primarily Farmiga leading the movie. You can make the argument that she led the final act of The Conjuring 2, but not to the degree she does here. Farmiga is without a doubt one of the strongest standouts of this movie. Her performance is equally powerful and emotional. 

That’s not to say that Wilson takes a back seat. His role just doesn’t feel as prominent as previous entries. That’s not a bad thing at all; Wilson still delivers a top notch performance that brings his Ed Warren character into some new territory that is shocking. The way in which the narrative handles Wilson is incredible and makes for a stunning final act. Although I have stated how refreshing the majority of this movie feels, it is not without its recycled elements. Devil brings back the fact that this is the most devastating case in the Warrens’ history files, subsequently drawing Farmiga’s character into darker circumstances that prove to be too much for her mental health. While they are not in the film for more than a few minutes, we’ve seen this before. Thus these elements take away from the experience of the film and create predictable moments. 

Though they are few and far between, no one wants a predictable horror movie. We come to this genre to indulge our fears of the unknown. What’s more terrifying than Satan or demons? Much like fellow New Line release in 2017’s IT, the visual effects of the film can be set outside of the film’s budget sometimes. Though the visual effects are fairly minor, they are indeed an eyesore. Devil was made on a modest budget of $39 million dollars. For the most part this isn’t an issue - until we need to see some of the special effects. The opening prologue and the forest scenes are among some of the worst. It’s crazy how a movie like The Exorcist, doing the same thing in the early 70s, could look better than something made today. Devil’s pacing, on the other hand, is incredible, shaping the narrative into a mystery that sets the Warrens against the clock. Chaves does a remarkable job at giving the audience just enough meat to draw them to the edge of their seats and keep them there.

Overall, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It is refreshing enough to carve out spectacular new heights for the franchise. Michael Chaves does a seemingly smooth transition, taking the reins from James Wan, to break tradition from the previous two entries. Chaves paces a compelling narrative and mystery that makes Devil truly an incredible feat. Vera Farmiga delivers a deeply emotional, stunning performance, resulting in a new franchise high. While the film is nearly new the majority of the time it is not without its recycled elements. Unfortunately, this leaves the film to be predictable and cliche at times. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It is one of the best chapters within The Conjuring Universe and proves there are plenty more stories to tell.

RORSCHACH RATING:

Mental Health Moment: The through line of The Conjuring trilogy has always been the bond and deep love between Ed and Lorraine Warren. Though their subjects and validity may be up for debate, their love isn’t. This threequel explores how the Warrens meet and once again demonstrates the love and bond they share. Their relationship is proof that love and community can withstand the darkest of life’s storms. I don’t want to feel like I’m alienating anybody in saying this. I want to be clear you don’t have to be in a romantic relationship to have what the Warrens have. It can be your best friend or family member. Find someone who can keep you grounded and will be there for you no matter what.

If you or someone you know is reading this right now and struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message, or tweet at us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!

Victims and Villains is written (and produced) by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey and others, and edited by Cam Smith. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It is property of Warner Brothers and New Line Cinema. We do not own nor claim any rights.

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