Movie Name: The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It
Genre: Horror/Mystery
The Cast:
- Patrick Wilson as Ed Warren
- Vera Farmiga as Lorraine Warren
- Ruairi O’Connor as Arne Cheyenne Johnson
- Sarah Catherine Hook as Debbie Glatzel
- Julian Hilliard as David Glatzel
- John Noble as Kastner
Reasons for Casting:
- Patrick Wilson & Vera Farmiga: Returning as Ed and Lorraine Warren, their strong on-screen chemistry and deep understanding of their roles make them essential for the film.
- Ruairi O’Connor: Chosen for his ability to portray both innocence and psychological turmoil as Arne Cheyenne Johnson, the man at the center of the trial.
- Sarah Catherine Hook: Cast as Debbie Glatzel, Arne’s supportive girlfriend, adding emotional depth to the story.
- Julian Hilliard: Played David Glatzel, whose possession sets off the chilling events. His past horror experience made him a perfect fit.
- John Noble: Brought a sense of mystery and authority as the occult expert Kastner.
Estimated Budget: $39 million
Box Office Collection:
- Worldwide Gross: $206.4 million
- Domestic (U.S. & Canada): $65.6 million
- International: $140.8 million
Net Revenue:
Estimated around $167.4 million after deducting the budget.
Profit or Loss:
Profit – The film made a strong return on investment, generating over 5 times its budget.
OST or Song Duration:
The film’s Original Score was composed by Joseph Bishara and featured chilling, atmospheric music.
- Main theme: “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” (3:12 minutes)
- Other notable tracks include:
- “The Warrens Investigate” (2:45 minutes)
- “Arne’s Possession” (4:05 minutes)
- “The Occultist” (3:50 minutes)
Popular Scene:
One of the most iconic scenes is Arne’s possession and murder scene, where he experiences terrifying hallucinations and ultimately stabs his landlord under demonic influence. The blend of psychological horror and supernatural elements made this a standout moment.
Review of Movie:
The Conjuring universe has long been similar to horror and thrill, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It takes a bold detour into a supernatural crime thriller. Directed by Michael Chaves, this installment follows Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) as they investigate the real-life 1981 trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, who claimed demonic possession as a defense for murder.
Unlike its predecessors, which thrived on claustrophobic haunted houses, this film expands its scope, blending paranormal horror with legal drama. Chaves crafts a gripping mystery, intertwining occult rituals and investigative tension. The cinematography enhances the eerie atmosphere, with shadowy corridors and unsettling dream sequences amplifying the dread. However, the film occasionally sacrifices slow-burning terror for action-heavy set pieces, diminishing the tension that made The Conjuring so effective.
Wilson and Farmiga remain the franchise’s emotional core, delivering heartfelt performances that elevate the Warrens beyond mere ghost hunters. Their chemistry provides the film’s strongest moments, even as the screenplay struggles to balance supernatural horror with courtroom intrigue. While chilling in parts, the film lacks the raw, nerve-wracking suspense of James Wan’s earlier entries.
Thoughts of the Director:
Director Michael Chaves stated:
“That was the case. They’re horror movies, so they’re shamelessly marketed as the darkest case yet, but I think this is the first one where it’s a real murder. There’s a real victim. That becomes part of the story and part of the storytelling, the idea that the Warrens are so great in the previous movies.”