Movie Name: Annabelle (2014)

Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Director: John R. Leonetti

Producer: Peter Safran, James Wan

The Cast:

• Annabelle Wallis as Mia Form
• Ward Horton as John Form
• Alfre Woodard as Evelyn
• Tony Amendola as Father Perez
• Brian Howe as Pete Higgins
• Kerry O’Malley as Sharon Higgins

Reasons for Casting:

• Annabelle Wallis was chosen for her ability to portray vulnerability and strength.
• Ward Horton was cast as the supportive yet skeptical husband, bringing realism to the character.
• Alfre Woodard added emotional depth and experience to the story.
• Tony Amendola, with his authoritative presence, fit well as Father Perez.

Estimated Budget: $6.5 million

Box Office Collection:

• Worldwide Gross: $257.6 million
• Domestic (USA & Canada): $84.3 million
• International: $173.3 million

Net Revenue: Estimated around $251 million (after deducting production costs.)

Profit or Loss: Huge profit, as the film was made on a small budget and earned over 39 times its production cost.

OST or Song Duration:

• The film’s score, composed by Joseph Bishara, enhances the eerie atmosphere and tension.
• No major songs, but Joseph Bishara composed a haunting score.
• Average track duration: 2-4 minutes

Main Theme:

• A chilling, suspenseful orchestral score that builds unease throughout the movie.

Other Notable Tracks Include:

• “Demonic Possession”
• “Evil Presence”
• “Annabelle opening”

Popular Scene:

• The basement elevator scene, where Mia encounters Annabelle’s ghostly presence, is one of the most terrifying moments. The lights flicker, the elevator malfunctions, and an ominous figure lurks in the shadows, escalating fear and panic.

Review of Movie:

Annabelle serves as a prequel to The Conjuring, diving into the origins of the sinister doll. Starring Annabelle Wallis, Ward Horton, and Alfre Woodard, the film delivers eerie visuals and suspense-driven horror. While it follows conventional haunted-object tropes, its unsettling atmosphere and chilling set pieces make for a gripping experience.

The film follows a young couple, Mia and John, who come into possession of a seemingly innocent vintage doll. However, their peaceful life turns into a nightmare as sinister events unfold, linking the doll to a dark and terrifying force. The plot follows familiar haunted-object horror conventions, it builds tension effectively, with unsettling moments that keep audiences on edge.

Annabelle Wallis delivers a strong performance, convincingly portraying fear and desperation, while Alfre Woodard adds depth to the story. Leonetti’s direction leans heavily on jump scares and atmospheric horror, complemented by Joseph Bishara’s eerie score. While the screenplay lacks originality, the film compensates with its unnerving visuals and sound design.

• Critics’ Response: Mixed reviews; praised for atmosphere and scares but criticized for lack of originality.
• Audience Reaction: Positive among horror fans; effective jump scares and tense moments.

Thoughts of the Director or Producer:

In interviews, both director John R. Leonetti and producer James Wan have shared insights into the making of “Annabelle.”

John R. Leonetti (Director):

Leonetti discussed the film’s connection to “The Conjuring” and his approach to creating a standalone story:

“We wanted to explore the origin of the Annabelle doll and craft a story that stands on its own while still being part of  ‘The Conjuring’ universe.”

He also mentioned the challenges of working with a doll as a central figure:

“Directing a film where the antagonist is an inanimate object required creative strategies to instill fear and suspense.

James Wan (Producer):

Wan emphasized his fascination with the Annabelle doll and the decision to delve into its backstory:

“The doll always intrigued me. Exploring its history allowed us to expand the universe and delve into new, terrifying stories.”

Regarding the film’s tone, Wan noted:

“We aimed to create a psychological horror that builds tension and keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.”