Film Review: "The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It" (2021).

"Based on the shocking true story of demonic possession." This is The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. This supernatural horror film directed by Michael Chaves and written by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick. It is a sequel to The Conjuring (2013) and The Conjuring 2 (2016), and as the eighth installment in the Conjuring Universe. Based on a chilling true story, paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren risk their lives to prove the innocence of the accused and the existence of evil forces in the first U.S. trial where demonic possession is being used as a legal defense.

In 2016, regarding further potential sequels, James Wan stated, "There could be many more [Conjuring] movies because the Warrens have so many stories." Chad and Carey W. Hayes also expressed interest in working on a story for another sequel. Also, Wan noted that, if a third film were to be made, it would ideally take place in the 1980s, and that the sequel could include lycanthropy. In May 2017, Peter Safran said it would be unlikely that a third installment would be a "haunted house" film. In June 2017, it was announced a third installment was in development, with Johnson-McGoldrick hired to pen the script. In August 2017, Wan told Entertainment Weekly that the filmmakers have "been working hard on The Conjuring 3 ". In September 2018, Safran stated that the script was near completion and that production would begin sometime during 2019. In October, it was announced that The Conjuring 3 would not be directed by Wan, but instead Chaves was hired to direct. In December, it was confirmed that Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga would reprise their roles as Ed and Lorraine Warren respectively. On April 18, Lorraine Warren died a natural death at the age of ninety-two. By early June 2019, John Noble, Ruairi O'Connor, Ingrid Bisu, Sterling Jerins and Charlene Amoia rounded out the film's cast. At the same time, principal photography commenced and took place in Atalanta, Georgia. Additional photography was initially scheduled for April 2020, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In October, Joseph Bishara was confirmed to be returning to score the film. In December 2019, the film's official title was revealed as The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. In January 2021, HBO Max announced every Warners Bros. movie would be released on its platform the same day it hits theaters for no extra cost to HBO subscribers. This decision came about due to the Covid-19 global pandemic.

The film stars Wilson, Farmiga, Noble, O'Connor, Bisu, Jerins and Amoia. Not only do you have great production values and a solid script, but you also have great performances, led by Wilson and Farmiga, that will keep you invested for almost two hours.

It may not be as scary as the first two films, but the film is still very satisfying. It's the horror sequel future horror sequels should try to emulate. Nonetheless, it is a fun, effective horror movie, and further emphasises the franchise generally as one ripe for sequels and spin-offs.

Simon says The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It receives:

Also, see my review for The Curse of La Llorona.