For Night 5 of the 13 Nights of Halloween Horror, we’re watching The Conjuring (2013), a supernatural horror film that proves there’s nothing scarier than a house that doesn’t want you there.
The film follows the Perron family, who move into an old farmhouse in Rhode Island looking for a fresh start. Things take a turn when they begin experiencing strange and frightening occurrences around the house. With doors slamming, mysterious sounds, and a presence that seems to be getting stronger, the family turns to paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren for help. But the deeper the Warrens dig, the more disturbing the house’s history becomes.
One of the things that makes The Conjuring so creepy is how it builds suspense. Director James Wan knows how to make an ordinary hallway or a dark corner feel terrifying, often leaving you waiting for something to happen. And, of course, just when you start to relax, the movie finds a way to scare you all over again.
Fun fact: The Conjuring was inspired by the reported paranormal experiences of the real-life Perron family and the investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren. The film’s success also helped launch a whole horror franchise, including Annabelle and The Nun. So if you enjoy a good supernatural scare, there’s plenty more where that came from!
The Conjuring is available for members of the American University community to borrow on DVD from Bender Library.
Come back tomorrow to see our pick for Night 6 of the 13 Nights of Halloween Horror.