One of the details that made 2013 special for me is The Conjuring. As someone devoted to the horror genre, The Conjuring holds a place of great significance in my eyes, reaching one of the highest levels in my perception. The film I consider to be perhaps the best horror I’ve ever watched not only gave birth to the legend of James Wan but also introduced us to a new horror universe. Of course, while Insidious, another film by James Wan released in the same year, garnered more attention, both movies managed to frighten fully grown adults to the point where they couldn’t go to bed at night. I could talk and praise The Conjuring’s first two films and the Insidious series until dawn, but sometimes the series should come to an end at some point. The taste of certain things should fade away and conclude without causing harm to what came before. Unfortunately, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It proves that some things must end on time. As much as I can praise the first films, I can also criticize the third one just as much.
Let’s briefly touch on the plot… While the Warren family is performing an exorcism, the demon chooses to switch bodies instead of leaving. Our demon hunters think the case is closed due to their amateurism, but the demon is still lurking in the same place. The duo, who starts investigating the strange events that reoccur, discovers that this time the problem is not a creature from the depths of hell but a demon walking the earth, just like them. And, of course, since it’s their job to solve problems, banish demons, break spells, and unload bullets, they roll up their crucifixes once again to save the day.
What made The Conjuring successful was the director’s approach to fear. It was James Wan’s approach to horror that led me to consider him the master of the camera in the future, and we first witnessed his talents in The Conjuring and Insidious. The director’s design of fear is different from many other directors. How he positions his camera and fictional design completely transforms the course of fear in his films. The directorial skills he showcased in the two Conjuring and Insidious films, in my opinion, are groundbreaking. Especially in The Conjuring 2, his direction and fictional approach can be considered as the masterpieces of his career and the horror genre. If I say that we loved these series he directed solely because of his personal approach, I don’t think it would be wrong.
Now let’s talk about James Wan, who, as a producer, is quite unsuccessful. As much as I love him, I have to admit the truth. While all the films he directed are masterpieces of directing, unfortunately, all the projects he produced are close to being terrible. Unfortunately, the Insidious series got ruined. The horrors he put his signature on are mediocre. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, the latest link in his production chain, unfortunately, has a story that has lost its ability to scare and has deviated from its foundation. I wasn’t interested in the Warren family dealing with a witch who leaves totems. Although Michael Chaves had thriving scenes in terms of cinematography, it wasn’t enough to save the movie.
By mismanaging the two different universes he created with his hands, James Wan turned them into a series that was eagerly anticipated but ended up disappointing. The failure of The Nun, the downfall of the Insidious series, and finally, the ineffectiveness of The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It will probably lead the audience to gradually lose interest in the universe. Even as one of the most devoted fans of Wan, I have started to lose faith in the universe. The most unfortunate thing here is witnessing such a magnificent universe go upside down, I suppose.
In summary… The Conjuring, directed by James Wan in 2013, has become a horror legend. The second film will also be remembered as a masterpiece. However, the third film, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, unfortunately, has deviated from its foundation, fails to scare, and leaves a bitter taste in the mouth despite offering some beautiful visuals. It cannot fulfill the excitement that comes with being a part of the universe and will most likely be a forgettable film next year. My clear message to James Wan is this: If you’re not behind the camera, all the films you produce disappoint us, the audience. Either return to directing or live an honorable life selling lemons.
Cast & Crew
director: Michael Chaves
writers: David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, James Wan, Chad Hayes, Carey W. Hayes
starring: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Ruairi O’Connor, Sarah Catherine Hook, Julian Hilliard
USA | 2021 | 112 MINUTES |