Review: The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
Directed by: Michael Chaves
Starring: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Ruairi O’Connor, Sarah Catherine Hook, Julian Hilliard
Plot Summary
The Conjuring 3: The Devil Made Me Do It moves away from the traditional haunted house setting and focuses on a real-life murder case where Arne Cheyenne Johnson (Ruairi O’Connor) claims demonic possession as his defense after killing his landlord. Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson & Vera Farmiga) take on their most dangerous case yet, uncovering a sinister occult curse behind the haunting.
Strengths
✔ Strong Performances – Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga once again deliver compelling performances as the Warrens, adding emotional depth to the story.
✔ Fresh Storyline – Unlike previous entries, this film expands beyond a haunted house and explores a murder trial, making it feel unique.
✔ Chilling Atmosphere – The movie maintains an eerie tone, with well-crafted jump scares and suspenseful sequences.
✔ Exploration of Occult Themes – The introduction of a satanic cult and curses adds a different supernatural element to the series.
Weaknesses
❌ Less Scary Than Previous Films – The shift from haunted house horror to investigative thriller means fewer terrifying moments compared to The Conjuring (2013) and The Conjuring 2 (2016).
❌ Weak Villain – The antagonist lacks depth and doesn’t feel as menacing as past supernatural threats like Valak (The Nun).
❌ Pacing Issues – The film’s structure, jumping between court proceedings and supernatural investigations, makes it feel slightly disjointed.
Verdict
The Conjuring 3 takes a bold new direction, blending supernatural horror with a true crime narrative. While it doesn’t reach the terrifying heights of its predecessors, it remains an engaging paranormal thriller with strong performances and eerie moments. Fans of the franchise may appreciate the change in formula, but those expecting classic haunted house horror might find it lacking.
⭐ Rating: 6.5/10 👻⚖️🔮
