In 2013 an apparently simple, back-to-basics scary movie transformed horror cinema for the rest of the decade. Based on the allegedly true story of the Perron family haunting and subsequent investigation by ghost hunters Ed and Lorraine Warren, The Conjuring has to-date spawned six sequels and prequels, making up a Conjuring ‘universe’ that has taken over a billion dollars around the world. The New York Times called The Conjuring ‘a fantastically effective haunted-house movie’ which, following his earlier film Insidious, established director James Wan as a force in horror cinema. In this Devil’s Advocates, horror scholar Kevin Wetmore examines what elements in the film are truly terrifying, how the filmmakers’ claims of being based on a true story hold up against the actual history of the haunting and the Warrens, and the relationship between The Conjuring and the many films in its universe. Along the way this book also considers how games, toys and dolls play an important role in the series, offers a critique of gender roles in the films, and asks the question, what is actually ‘conjured’ in The Conjuring? The delightful result is an in-depth, close reading of a film that uses standard horror tropes masterfully to create a truly scary film.
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About the author
Kevin J. Wetmore Jr.
Author
The Conjuring
by Kevin J. Wetmore Jr.
Books Like The Conjuring
If you're looking for books similar to The Conjuring, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
House of Darkness House of Light
Andrea Perron
Written by a member of the Perron family, this book provides the definitive account of the haunting that inspired The Conjuring. It offers a deeply personal narrative of the supernatural experiences that occurred in their Rhode Island farmhouse. The book details the family's encounters with unexplained phenomena and spiritual entities. It provides the most authentic perspective on the events depicted in the film.
The Haunting of Hill House
Shirley Jackson
A classic haunted house novel that explores psychological terror and supernatural phenomena. The book follows a group of people investigating a notoriously haunted mansion, experiencing increasingly disturbing events. It masterfully builds tension and explores the psychological impact of supernatural encounters. The novel's approach to haunting shares similar narrative techniques with The Conjuring.
The Demonologist: The Extraordinary Career of Ed and Lorraine Warren
Gerald Brittle
A comprehensive exploration of Ed and Lorraine Warren's most famous paranormal investigations, including the case that inspired The Conjuring. The book provides in-depth details about the real-life ghost hunters and their most notorious cases. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at their supernatural investigations and methodologies. Readers will gain insight into the true stories behind some of the most famous haunting cases.
Hostage to the Devil
Malachi Martin
A comprehensive exploration of demonic possession and exorcism by a renowned Catholic priest. The book provides detailed accounts of supernatural encounters and spiritual warfare. It offers a deep theological perspective on confronting evil supernatural forces. The narrative shares the intense spiritual themes found in The Conjuring.
The Mothman Prophecies
John A. Keel
An investigative exploration of supernatural encounters in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. The book combines journalistic research with paranormal investigation, exploring mysterious phenomena. It offers a compelling narrative of unexplained events and supernatural encounters. The book shares the investigative approach and mysterious tone of The Conjuring.
Haunted: The Incredible True Story of a Canadian Family's Experience Living in a Haunted House
William Deihl
A chilling non-fiction account of a real-life haunting that parallels the investigative approach of The Conjuring. The book explores a family's terrifying supernatural experiences, documenting unexplained phenomena and paranormal encounters. It provides a detailed, first-hand narrative of ghostly interactions and mysterious events. The book offers a compelling exploration of the supernatural that will appeal to fans of true haunting stories.
The Amityville Horror
Jay Anson
A classic true-crime supernatural story about a family's terrifying experiences in a haunted house. The book details the allegedly true account of paranormal events in a Long Island home. It explores themes of family terror and supernatural encounters similar to The Conjuring. The narrative combines real-life horror with unexplained phenomena.
Ghost Hunters: William James and the Search for Scientific Proof of Life After Death
Deborah Blum
An investigative look into the early scientific attempts to understand paranormal phenomena. The book explores the historical approach to investigating supernatural claims, similar to the Warren's methodologies. It provides a scholarly examination of ghost hunting and paranormal research. The book offers a fascinating historical context for supernatural investigations.
The Devil in Connecticut
Gerald Brittle
A true account of a demonic possession case investigated by Ed and Lorraine Warren. The book details a terrifying supernatural encounter involving a family's struggle with dark spiritual forces. It provides insight into the Warren's investigative methods and supernatural encounters. The narrative closely relates to the themes explored in The Conjuring.
Grave's End
Elaine Mercado
A personal account of a family's long-term haunting experience in their Brooklyn home. The book details years of supernatural encounters and psychological terror. It provides a realistic, first-hand narrative of living with unexplained phenomena. The story shares the family-focused approach of The Conjuring.
Paranormal State: My Journey into the Unknown
Ryan Buell
Written by the founder of the Paranormal Research Society, this book offers an insider's perspective on ghost hunting and supernatural investigations. It details real-life encounters with spirits and unexplained phenomena, similar to the Warren investigations. The book combines personal experiences with scientific approach to paranormal research. It provides insights into the world of ghost hunting that fans of The Conjuring will find fascinating.
Deliver Us from Evil
Ralph Sarchie
A real-life account of a New York police officer's experiences with demonic possessions and supernatural investigations. The book details Sarchie's encounters with dark spiritual entities and exorcisms. It provides a gritty, first-hand account of confronting supernatural evil. The narrative shares the investigative approach and intense supernatural themes of The Conjuring.
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