The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It is a let-down. It’s worth a one-time watch, but it isn’t special. There’s one reason that ruined the film, and one reason I tolerated it.
Warning, spoilers ahead!
The reason this film was a let-down is because its plot strays too much from the franchise’s reputation of mixing fiction with the true events. The film tells the story of a retired priest’s secret daughter who took an interest in the occult, which led her into witchcraft and promising to provide a demon human souls.
Based on the trailer, I was under the impression that the film would focus on a court battle for Arne’s trial through demonic possession. Ed Lorraine’s most powerful quote used in the trailer is what pulled me in: “The court accepts the existence of God every time a witness swears to tell the truth. I think it’s about time they accept the existence of the devil.”
Turns out, the trailer was deceiving, and the film title isn’t fitting. If the film is based on Arne Cheyenne Johnson’s real-life case, then why is he not the sole focus of the movie, and the witch is?
While “The Conjuring” universe is a mix of fiction and real events based on the real Ed and Lorraine Warren, this fictional tie for the third film was not compelling. The true story of this case did not involve a witch at all, so this was obviously chosen to thicken the plot. It would’ve been better as an unrelated stand-alone film, not included in “the conjuring” universe.
The real case is very distinct from the film. It was simply about Arne being present at his younger brother’s exorcism, as were the Warrens, and Lorraine Warren confirming that Arne spoke to the “demon” in his little brother to take him instead. Then, later in an argument with a landlord and killing him, he pleaded innocent by reason of “demonic possession”, but the judge passed it over saying that it cannot be proven and Arne was sentenced.
Everything else—the witch plot—was a completely exaggerated soap-opera. There are claims that the real-life Warrens are frauds and wrote their so-called experiences for fame, which is basically what the movies are—dramatized stories for the funds. At least the Warrens in “the conjuring” universe are authentic in their business.
It’s understandable this is done so that the story is interesting, while also trying to be accurate to the true events they’re based on. However, this new storyline is a stretch from the usual demon possession plot.
Then again, these films are based on the real-life Warren’s supposed experiences. Whether it is really true or not doesn’t matter to everyone. Films like these are just creatively selling a story, where the words “based on true events” is generally what draws an audience in.
While there are issues with the film as a whole, I do want to commend director Michael Chaves for creating a beautiful looking movie.
I appreciate the dark, alluring aesthetic of the film. Two scenes stand out in particular. The first, which is my favorite, is when the priest gets out of a taxi and there’s a lamp post behind him, a subtle homage to the original The Exorcist. The other shot I really enjoyed was the scene when Arne kills Bruno. The flashing lights, and the sudden pause of sound leaves you on edge as Arne is struggling to keep himself together.
It was thrilling and beautiful.
While the film wasn’t the best, it has its moments that I found pretty enjoyable. It’s near the bottom in my favorites list of “The Conjuring” universe, but not at the very bottom like Annabelle Comes Home.
Check out the trailer below and watch right now by subscription on HBO Max, or get your tickets here.
With that said, I hope my insight has enlightened you and I’d love to talk about this in-depth! If you’d like to see more of my random content or would like to contact me, you can find me on Instagram, Twitter, or Tumblr. You may also email me at jrnw99@gmail.com if you prefer.
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