(Welcome to Tales from the Box Office, our column that examines box office miracles, disasters, and everything in between, as well as what we can learn from them.)
"You can't count it!" That's what producer Peter Safran said to Entertainment Weekly in 2023 about "The Curse of La Llorona" being part of The Conjuring Universe. Safran, who has helped to spearhead the very successful horror franchise alongside James Wan since 2013, did not leave any room for interpretation there. Yet, director Michael Chaves' successful 2019 feature directorial debut contains characters from "Conjuring" films, as well as overt references to events in those stories. Be that as it may, this movie now exists as both an unquestionable hit and a film that narratively exists in The Conjuring Universe but, for technical reasons, actually doesn't.
In the era of cinematic universes, it's an almost unprecedented situation. Why provide connective tissue if the plan isn't to connect these dots?...
"You can't count it!" That's what producer Peter Safran said to Entertainment Weekly in 2023 about "The Curse of La Llorona" being part of The Conjuring Universe. Safran, who has helped to spearhead the very successful horror franchise alongside James Wan since 2013, did not leave any room for interpretation there. Yet, director Michael Chaves' successful 2019 feature directorial debut contains characters from "Conjuring" films, as well as overt references to events in those stories. Be that as it may, this movie now exists as both an unquestionable hit and a film that narratively exists in The Conjuring Universe but, for technical reasons, actually doesn't.
In the era of cinematic universes, it's an almost unprecedented situation. Why provide connective tissue if the plan isn't to connect these dots?...
- 4/20/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Welcome back to Dead Time. I hope you left a light on for me because this month we’re going inside The Conjuring house to find out the real story of what happened to Carol and Roger Perron when they moved their five daughters into a house in Burrillville, Rhode Island in the early 1970s.
In 2013, director James Wan unleashed the terrifying horror film The Conjuring, which was based on the case files of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren and told the story of a family tormented by a demonic force after moving into their new home. In real life, the Warrens did investigate the activity in the Perron home, but the story goes a bit differently. You may think you know what really happened inside that house based on the horror movie alone, but you would be mistaken. The true story is much, much scarier.
Bloody Disgusting was...
In 2013, director James Wan unleashed the terrifying horror film The Conjuring, which was based on the case files of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren and told the story of a family tormented by a demonic force after moving into their new home. In real life, the Warrens did investigate the activity in the Perron home, but the story goes a bit differently. You may think you know what really happened inside that house based on the horror movie alone, but you would be mistaken. The true story is much, much scarier.
Bloody Disgusting was...
- 4/12/2024
- by Michelle Swope
- bloody-disgusting.com
It’s been ten years since James Wan first introduced the world to The Conjuring. The film followed the misadventures of Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga) in the 1970s, a pair of paranormal investigators and demonologists who inspect a secluded farmhouse where a supernatural presence has made itself known. The star-studded horror film was a huge hit with fans and critics. It started an entire universe that features numerous spin-offs and sequels throughout the years. The Conjuring has spawned three films following the popular Ed and Lorraine Warren. The series has always had a set of complex themes...
- 2/22/2024
- by Jeffrey Bowie Jr.
- TVovermind.com
On November 13, 1974, at 112 Ocean Ave. in Amityville, New York, a young man named Ronald DeFeo woke up in the middle of the night, took up a shotgun, and went from room to room in his home, systematically murdering six members of his family. DeFeo was apprehended by the police. At first, DeFeo claimed the murders were mob-related, but he later confessed to committing the crimes himself. He was sentenced to 25 years to life for his crimes. DeFeo died in prison in 2021.
DeFeo's murders became notorious with the publication of Jay Anson's nonfiction book "The Amityville Horror" in 1977. After the killings, the Lutz family moved into 112 Ocean Ave., and they claimed to experience a panoply of paranormal phenomena. Flies mobbed the building, and the entire Lutz family reported hearing eerie voices. George Lutz, the family patriarch, claimed to be possessed by a demonic presence that was driving him to kill his family.
DeFeo's murders became notorious with the publication of Jay Anson's nonfiction book "The Amityville Horror" in 1977. After the killings, the Lutz family moved into 112 Ocean Ave., and they claimed to experience a panoply of paranormal phenomena. Flies mobbed the building, and the entire Lutz family reported hearing eerie voices. George Lutz, the family patriarch, claimed to be possessed by a demonic presence that was driving him to kill his family.
- 2/17/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
One of the most successful cinematic universes in Hollywood doesn't have any superheroes, isn't set in outer space, and wasn't originally designed as a cinematic universe at all. James Wan's 2013 horror movie "The Conjuring" was made on a budget of just $20 million but became a stunning box office success, grossing more than $320 million worldwide. That success has since spawned a whole world of horror that includes not only two "Conjuring" sequels, but also the spin-off "Annabelle" trilogy, two "Nun" movies, and (tenuously) "The Curse of La Llorona."
A big part of what makes the "Conjuring" movies so frightening is their commitment to practical effects. The strangest supernatural feats are achieved using wire work, contortionists, and stunt performers, while monsters like the Nun and the Crooked Man are real actors in make-up.
Digital effects are used sparingly for certain scares where CGI is the best option (like the sheet scene...
A big part of what makes the "Conjuring" movies so frightening is their commitment to practical effects. The strangest supernatural feats are achieved using wire work, contortionists, and stunt performers, while monsters like the Nun and the Crooked Man are real actors in make-up.
Digital effects are used sparingly for certain scares where CGI is the best option (like the sheet scene...
- 2/13/2024
- by Hannah Shaw-Williams
- Slash Film
THR reports that Michael Chaves is in negotiations to serve as the director of The Conjuring 4, which is expected to be the final installment of the main series.
Michael Chaves is no stranger to The Conjuring franchise as he was the director of the last installment, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, and also helmed The Nun II. David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, who penned the screenplay for the third installment, will return to write this final sequel. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga are naturally expected to return as Ed and Lorraine Warren, with production looking to start shooting this summer in Atlanta. Plot details are being kept under wraps at this point, but a few ghostly apparitions and demonic possessions are a good bet.
Related The Devil on Trial trailer: Netflix documentary on true crime case that inspired The Conjuring 3 coming soon
Prior to officially joining The Conjuring franchise with the third movie,...
Michael Chaves is no stranger to The Conjuring franchise as he was the director of the last installment, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, and also helmed The Nun II. David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, who penned the screenplay for the third installment, will return to write this final sequel. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga are naturally expected to return as Ed and Lorraine Warren, with production looking to start shooting this summer in Atlanta. Plot details are being kept under wraps at this point, but a few ghostly apparitions and demonic possessions are a good bet.
Related The Devil on Trial trailer: Netflix documentary on true crime case that inspired The Conjuring 3 coming soon
Prior to officially joining The Conjuring franchise with the third movie,...
- 2/10/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
The hugely successful Conjuring Universe is getting a brand new installment with The Conjuring 4, and THR reports tonight that Michael Chaves is on board to direct.
Chaves just directed Conjuring Universe installment The Nun II, and he also previously directed The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, the main series’ third movie.
The Conjuring 4 is said to be the final installment in the main series, THR notes.
David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick (The Conjuring 2) wrote the screenplay for the fourth movie.
THR adds, “Plot details are being kept six feet under but once again supernatural investigators Ed and Lorrain Warren will face creaky doors, shadows in the windows, inverted crosses, and a demonic possession or two. Stars Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga are expected to return and the feature is eyeing a summer shoot in Atlanta.”
Also returning to produce are franchise mainstays James Wan and Peter Safran.
The Conjuring...
Chaves just directed Conjuring Universe installment The Nun II, and he also previously directed The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, the main series’ third movie.
The Conjuring 4 is said to be the final installment in the main series, THR notes.
David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick (The Conjuring 2) wrote the screenplay for the fourth movie.
THR adds, “Plot details are being kept six feet under but once again supernatural investigators Ed and Lorrain Warren will face creaky doors, shadows in the windows, inverted crosses, and a demonic possession or two. Stars Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga are expected to return and the feature is eyeing a summer shoot in Atlanta.”
Also returning to produce are franchise mainstays James Wan and Peter Safran.
The Conjuring...
- 2/9/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Brewing underneath the surface of many horror films is an ancient force that has haunted humanity’s nightmares for centuries—witchcraft. Witches, with their enigmatic powers and complex history, have always been a rich source of fear and fascination, making them perfect subjects for the horror genre. Whether veiled in Gothic atmospheres or presented in bone-chilling modern narratives, witch horror movies capture something profoundly unsettling about the unknown.
From classic tales of demonic pacts to contemporary stories of isolation and paranoia, these films tap into the primal fear of what lies beyond the boundaries of the known. So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of dark spells and arcane rituals, here are ten must-watch witch horror movies that embody the enchanting terror of this age-old lore.
20th Century Studios 10. The Lords of Salem (2012)
Rob Zombie’s The Lords of Salem presents a mesmerizing take on witchcraft lore,...
From classic tales of demonic pacts to contemporary stories of isolation and paranoia, these films tap into the primal fear of what lies beyond the boundaries of the known. So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of dark spells and arcane rituals, here are ten must-watch witch horror movies that embody the enchanting terror of this age-old lore.
20th Century Studios 10. The Lords of Salem (2012)
Rob Zombie’s The Lords of Salem presents a mesmerizing take on witchcraft lore,...
- 1/29/2024
- by Kimberley Elizabeth
The 12 Days of Creepmas continues on Bloody Disgusting, with the tenth day getting into the anti-festive spirit for all the holiday grinches out there. This is for those that approach December with a “bah humbug” attitude and prefer any iconography or holiday theming to be kept to a minimum when it comes to horror. Most of these ten horror titles are technically set on or around Christmas, but can’t muster up enough cheer to really embrace the holiday spirit. Many of which don’t even bother with Christmas at all, beyond a quick scene or mention.
If you’re already sick of Santa Claus, and all things holiday related, here are ten holiday horror movies – technically – that would rather just cut straight to the horror.
Keep track of the 12 Days of Creepmas here.
The Brain
Dr. Anthony Blakely (Re-Animator’s David Gale) uses his TV show and a giant...
If you’re already sick of Santa Claus, and all things holiday related, here are ten holiday horror movies – technically – that would rather just cut straight to the horror.
Keep track of the 12 Days of Creepmas here.
The Brain
Dr. Anthony Blakely (Re-Animator’s David Gale) uses his TV show and a giant...
- 12/16/2023
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
Cullen Bunn Returns to the Deepest Catacombs: "In 2020, author Cullen Bunn released The Deepest Catacombs, a serialized comic inspired by vintage advertisements for the Dungeons And Dragons role-playing game. The story, told in 25 single-page installments, featured a different artist on every page. It was released for free for fans of comics, fantasy, and role-playing games. Now, Bunn is returning to the world of The Deepest Catacombs with an all-new 22-page comic that will be released in a serialized format.
“When I finished releasing the initial run of The Deepest Catacombs,” says Bunn, “I knew I would return to that world. I just loved the characters and the nostalgia, the magic and the monsters. And I loved working with so many talented artists! This was, of course, a labor of love, so it has taken me a bit of time to get the ball rolling again, but the story is...
“When I finished releasing the initial run of The Deepest Catacombs,” says Bunn, “I knew I would return to that world. I just loved the characters and the nostalgia, the magic and the monsters. And I loved working with so many talented artists! This was, of course, a labor of love, so it has taken me a bit of time to get the ball rolling again, but the story is...
- 11/29/2023
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
The episode of Deconstructing… covering The Conjuring was Written, Edited, and Narrated by Kier Gomes, Produced by Tyler Nichols and John Fallon, and Executive Produced by Berge Garabedian.
What do you think about cinematic universes? While mega franchise worlds like the MCU certainly seem to overshadow smaller connected universes like the View Askewniverse, there certainly is a mix of positives and negatives within these shared continuities. Among the horror genre’s cinematic universes are movies like Freddy vs. Jason, where two large franchises crossed over into one… interesting movie? Or how about Spiral: From the Book of Saw, where the events of the Saw franchise exist, but a new serial killer is on the rise. And of course, there is the extensive and ongoing mixed bag of scares and screams that is The Conjuring Universe. The Warren family is practically a goldmine for source material that is sure to set you on edge.
What do you think about cinematic universes? While mega franchise worlds like the MCU certainly seem to overshadow smaller connected universes like the View Askewniverse, there certainly is a mix of positives and negatives within these shared continuities. Among the horror genre’s cinematic universes are movies like Freddy vs. Jason, where two large franchises crossed over into one… interesting movie? Or how about Spiral: From the Book of Saw, where the events of the Saw franchise exist, but a new serial killer is on the rise. And of course, there is the extensive and ongoing mixed bag of scares and screams that is The Conjuring Universe. The Warren family is practically a goldmine for source material that is sure to set you on edge.
- 11/20/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
"The Amityville Horror" is one of the definitive haunted house films, a classic tale about paranormal activity terrorizing a suburban family with swarming flies, mysterious voices, and sudden illness. Even the windows resemble ominous eyes peering down on the unsuspecting victims. The movie taps into the religious undertones popularized by other 1970s releases such as "The Exorcist" and "The Omen," suggesting there is a Satanic force at work that must be destroyed.
Eventually, the new owners George and Kathy Lutz discover the horrifying history of their new home: Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered his entire family with a rifle one year prior, a Satanic worshipper named John Ketchum once lived on the land, and the house itself was built on a Shinnecock burial ground.
Despite receiving mixed reviews for elements like the cheesy portrayal of a possessed George, "The Amityville Horror" ended up having a significant impact on the horror genre.
Eventually, the new owners George and Kathy Lutz discover the horrifying history of their new home: Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered his entire family with a rifle one year prior, a Satanic worshipper named John Ketchum once lived on the land, and the house itself was built on a Shinnecock burial ground.
Despite receiving mixed reviews for elements like the cheesy portrayal of a possessed George, "The Amityville Horror" ended up having a significant impact on the horror genre.
- 11/19/2023
- by Caroline Madden
- Slash Film
This post contains spoilers for "The Nun II."
It's difficult to encapsulate just how huge The Conjuring Universe truly is. The third successful horror franchise launched by James Wan (following "Insidious" and "Saw") has expanded into three distinct tracks of horror stories: "The Conjuring" films, following Ed and Lorraine Warren; the "Annabelle" films, centered on the titular doll; and "The Nun" films, centered on the demon Valak. "The Nun II" is the latest addition to the series, a massive hit at the box office and a film that laid the groundwork for what feels like the inevitable climax of the decades-spanning story. It feels like we're heading toward a final chapter like The Avengers, but with demons, possessed artifacts, and Patrick Wilson singing Elvis songs.
"The Nun II" is currently available on Digital and is coming to 4K Uhd soon, and in honor of its release, I was fortunate enough...
It's difficult to encapsulate just how huge The Conjuring Universe truly is. The third successful horror franchise launched by James Wan (following "Insidious" and "Saw") has expanded into three distinct tracks of horror stories: "The Conjuring" films, following Ed and Lorraine Warren; the "Annabelle" films, centered on the titular doll; and "The Nun" films, centered on the demon Valak. "The Nun II" is the latest addition to the series, a massive hit at the box office and a film that laid the groundwork for what feels like the inevitable climax of the decades-spanning story. It feels like we're heading toward a final chapter like The Avengers, but with demons, possessed artifacts, and Patrick Wilson singing Elvis songs.
"The Nun II" is currently available on Digital and is coming to 4K Uhd soon, and in honor of its release, I was fortunate enough...
- 11/7/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
There are definitely some benefits to watching horror movies at home. For one thing, it's easy to hide under the covers when jump scares get overwhelming, or to pause for popcorn if you need to break the tension (or just really want some popcorn). In the case of the self-referential and foreshadowing-heavy Conjuring Universe, though, catching the latest movie on digital and home media also comes with one extra added benefit: the potential for frame-by-frame Easter egg hunting.
There are Easter eggs aplenty hidden throughout the interconnected franchise that began with "The Conjuring" in 2013, and apparently "The Nun II" is no exception. /Film's Bj Colangelo recently spoke with the director of the latest Conjuring-verse chiller, Michael Chaves, to get the scoop on some of the movie's most rewarding hidden references. Fair warning if you haven't seen "The Nun II" yet: Chaves talks about some of these hidden references in detail,...
There are Easter eggs aplenty hidden throughout the interconnected franchise that began with "The Conjuring" in 2013, and apparently "The Nun II" is no exception. /Film's Bj Colangelo recently spoke with the director of the latest Conjuring-verse chiller, Michael Chaves, to get the scoop on some of the movie's most rewarding hidden references. Fair warning if you haven't seen "The Nun II" yet: Chaves talks about some of these hidden references in detail,...
- 11/4/2023
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Mere mortals have been fascinated by witchcraft for hundreds of years, and the film industry has taken note, with witch-themed movies going back more than 100 years.
In 1922, the silent partly documentary-style Swedish film “Haxan” sought to understand the roots and misunderstandings of witchcraft, and the mania that surrounded the witch hunts. Controversial at the time, it is now considered one of the most influential of the early horror films. Less than 20 years later, Margaret Hamilton would make the Wicked Witch the standard for evil witches, and help make “The Wizard of Oz” a timeless classic.
SEE25 best TV witches, ranked worst to best
In the decades since, witches have appeared in just about every genre of film. Early romantic comedies “I Married a Witch” and “Bell, Book and Candle” were so popular they inspired the classic 1960s TV series “Bewitched.” But while a witch’s antics on the small screen were amusing audiences,...
In 1922, the silent partly documentary-style Swedish film “Haxan” sought to understand the roots and misunderstandings of witchcraft, and the mania that surrounded the witch hunts. Controversial at the time, it is now considered one of the most influential of the early horror films. Less than 20 years later, Margaret Hamilton would make the Wicked Witch the standard for evil witches, and help make “The Wizard of Oz” a timeless classic.
SEE25 best TV witches, ranked worst to best
In the decades since, witches have appeared in just about every genre of film. Early romantic comedies “I Married a Witch” and “Bell, Book and Candle” were so popular they inspired the classic 1960s TV series “Bewitched.” But while a witch’s antics on the small screen were amusing audiences,...
- 10/28/2023
- by Susan Pennington and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Mere mortals have been fascinated by witchcraft for hundreds of years, and the film industry has taken note, with witch-themed movies going back more than 100 years.
In 1922, the silent partly documentary-style Swedish film “Haxan” sought to understand the roots and misunderstandings of witchcraft, and the mania that surrounded the witch hunts. Controversial at the time, it is now considered one of the most influential of the early horror films. Less than 20 years later, Margaret Hamilton would make the Wicked Witch the standard for evil witches, and help make “The Wizard of Oz” a timeless classic.
SEE25 best TV witches, ranked worst to best
In the decades since, witches have appeared in just about every genre of film. Early romantic comedies “I Married a Witch” and “Bell, Book and Candle” were so popular they inspired the classic 1960s TV series “Bewitched.” But while a witch’s antics on the small screen were amusing audiences,...
In 1922, the silent partly documentary-style Swedish film “Haxan” sought to understand the roots and misunderstandings of witchcraft, and the mania that surrounded the witch hunts. Controversial at the time, it is now considered one of the most influential of the early horror films. Less than 20 years later, Margaret Hamilton would make the Wicked Witch the standard for evil witches, and help make “The Wizard of Oz” a timeless classic.
SEE25 best TV witches, ranked worst to best
In the decades since, witches have appeared in just about every genre of film. Early romantic comedies “I Married a Witch” and “Bell, Book and Candle” were so popular they inspired the classic 1960s TV series “Bewitched.” But while a witch’s antics on the small screen were amusing audiences,...
- 10/27/2023
- by Susan Pennington, Chris Beachum and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
Netflix originals have always been the biggest draw for the streaming juggernaut, and their true crime documentary offerings have been so popular that they've been spoofed by both "Black Mirror," and the brilliant satirical mockumentary series "American Vandal." Released just in time for the Halloween season, the latest documentary, "The Devil on Trial," has been dominating the top 10 charts across the globe. The film is the latest from Peabody Award-winning and three-time BAFTA-nominated British writer, director, and producer, Chris Holt, and tackles the first and only time demonic possession was used as a defense in an American murder trial. Taking place in 1981, the trial made headlines as the "Devil Made Me Do It" case, as 19-year-old Arne Cheyenne Johnson claimed that he was not guilty in the murder of his landlord, Alan Bono, because he was possessed at the time of the killing.
If this plot sounds eerily familiar, it's...
If this plot sounds eerily familiar, it's...
- 10/25/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Clockwise from bottom left: Friday The 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (Screenshot: Paramount Pictures/YouTube); Hellraiser III: Hell On Earth (Screenshot: Dimension Films/YouTube); A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (Screenshot: New Line Cinema); Halloween 2018 (Photo: Universal Pictures)Graphic: Rebecca Fassola
When you think of what makes a great horror movie,...
When you think of what makes a great horror movie,...
- 10/25/2023
- by Matthew Jackson, Matt Mills, and Gil Macias
- avclub.com
This article contains spoilers for The Devil on Trial.
For most of its 80-minute runtime, Netflix‘s newest true crime doc, The Devil on Trial, is as sensational as the subject matter it’s covering, down to a “shock twist” at the end that might finally break this case of demonic possession wide open. Or at least it’s one of the many possible explanations this film flirts with while presenting its largely paint-by-the-numbers retelling of a story you’re likely already familiar with if you’ve watched The Conjuring movies about famous paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.
But here’s a quick summary: in 1980, the Warrens traveled to Brookfield, Connecticut to investigate a possible case of demonic possession at the home of the Glatzel family. When they decided David, the youngest of the Glatzel siblings, had indeed been possessed by the Devil, they turned to the Catholic Church for an exorcism.
For most of its 80-minute runtime, Netflix‘s newest true crime doc, The Devil on Trial, is as sensational as the subject matter it’s covering, down to a “shock twist” at the end that might finally break this case of demonic possession wide open. Or at least it’s one of the many possible explanations this film flirts with while presenting its largely paint-by-the-numbers retelling of a story you’re likely already familiar with if you’ve watched The Conjuring movies about famous paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.
But here’s a quick summary: in 1980, the Warrens traveled to Brookfield, Connecticut to investigate a possible case of demonic possession at the home of the Glatzel family. When they decided David, the youngest of the Glatzel siblings, had indeed been possessed by the Devil, they turned to the Catholic Church for an exorcism.
- 10/20/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
This article contains spoilers for "Chucky" season 3, episode 3.
Alien vs. Predator. Freddy vs. Jason. Sadako vs. Kayako. Bobby "Boris" Pickett's "Monster Mash."
Throughout horror genre history, there have been numerous examples of characters crossing over into one another's universes, continuity, and canon. While cinematic universes featuring characters from other genres are all the rage these days (especially with regard to action and comic book superheroes), there remains something special about the horror crossover.
For one thing, horror was the first genre to birth a cinematic universe long before it became a buzzworthy term, thanks to Universal Pictures' "Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man" in 1943. For another, a horror crossover typically isn't like a Marvel Cinematic Universe film, where heroes from their own separate franchises team up to hang out, crack wise, and eventually take on a doomsday villain. Instead, it's all about the thematic weight of not one, but two...
Alien vs. Predator. Freddy vs. Jason. Sadako vs. Kayako. Bobby "Boris" Pickett's "Monster Mash."
Throughout horror genre history, there have been numerous examples of characters crossing over into one another's universes, continuity, and canon. While cinematic universes featuring characters from other genres are all the rage these days (especially with regard to action and comic book superheroes), there remains something special about the horror crossover.
For one thing, horror was the first genre to birth a cinematic universe long before it became a buzzworthy term, thanks to Universal Pictures' "Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man" in 1943. For another, a horror crossover typically isn't like a Marvel Cinematic Universe film, where heroes from their own separate franchises team up to hang out, crack wise, and eventually take on a doomsday villain. Instead, it's all about the thematic weight of not one, but two...
- 10/19/2023
- by Bill Bria
- Slash Film
A Netflix documentary recounts the 1980s trial of a 19-year-old murder suspect who claimed demonic possession
Here are the facts: on 16 February 1981, 19-year-old Arne Cheyenne Johnson, his sister Wanda, his fiancee Debbie Glatzel, her cousin Mary and Debbie’s employer/landlord Alan Bono all went to lunch at a bar in Brookfield, Connecticut. Over the course of the afternoon, Bono drank to the point of inebriated belligerence, and soon began to roughly handle young Mary. A visibly enraged Johnson intervened, tussled with Bono, drew a five-inch pocketknife and stabbed the man repeatedly. Bono succumbed to his wounds a few hours later, and Johnson was apprehended by the police two miles away from the scene of the crime.
That November, his trial became a media sensation when his legal representation pleaded innocence by cause of demonic possession, explaining that Johnson took on an unholy passenger while participating in an exorcism for...
Here are the facts: on 16 February 1981, 19-year-old Arne Cheyenne Johnson, his sister Wanda, his fiancee Debbie Glatzel, her cousin Mary and Debbie’s employer/landlord Alan Bono all went to lunch at a bar in Brookfield, Connecticut. Over the course of the afternoon, Bono drank to the point of inebriated belligerence, and soon began to roughly handle young Mary. A visibly enraged Johnson intervened, tussled with Bono, drew a five-inch pocketknife and stabbed the man repeatedly. Bono succumbed to his wounds a few hours later, and Johnson was apprehended by the police two miles away from the scene of the crime.
That November, his trial became a media sensation when his legal representation pleaded innocence by cause of demonic possession, explaining that Johnson took on an unholy passenger while participating in an exorcism for...
- 10/18/2023
- by Charles Bramesco
- The Guardian - Film News
In 1981, 19-year-old bright young boy Arne was prosecuted for murdering his landlord, Alan Bono. He was charged with committing murder in the first-degree, which, according to the law, translates into willfully killing someone with full intention. But Arne pleaded not guilty. And his defense was the first of its kind in the history of the United States—demonic possession. This is what the latest Netflix documentary, The Devil on Trial, is based upon. Sounds familiar, right? Yes, in case you are wondering, the popular film in the Conjuring franchise, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, was indeed based on the same story. This time around, we get to see the real people who went through it. The real Arne, who is the focal point of the documentary, his wife, Debbie Glatzel, and her brother David, who also got possessed. The other family members of the Glatzel family also appear as narrators.
- 10/18/2023
- by Rohitavra Majumdar
- Film Fugitives
The Puppetman is a horror thriller film directed by Brandon Christensen, who also co-wrote with Ryan Christensen and Matt Manjourides. The Shudder film revolves around Michal, the daughter of a convicted killer, who always maintained his innocence by saying that an evil force made him commit those murders. But when people around her start dying in brutal ways Michal starts to realize that there was some truth in her father’s words. So, if you love the Shudder film here are some similar movies you could watch next.
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (Max & Prime Video Add-On) Credit – Warner Bros.
Synopsis: The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It reveals a chilling story of terror, murder and unknown evil that shocked even experienced real‐life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. One of the most sensational cases from their files, it starts with a fight for...
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (Max & Prime Video Add-On) Credit – Warner Bros.
Synopsis: The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It reveals a chilling story of terror, murder and unknown evil that shocked even experienced real‐life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. One of the most sensational cases from their files, it starts with a fight for...
- 10/14/2023
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
The Conjuring shared universe is filled with deep connections that make both watching and rewatching the movies in their proper chronological watch order worthwhile.
The universe tackles the real-life cases of Ed and Lorraine Warren while also expanding its lore by focusing on demonic entities, such as Valak and Malthus.
The main The Conjuring movies highlight Ed and Lorraine at the forefront while the spin-off movies revolve around the origins and hauntings of the entities.
Read full article on The Direct.
The universe tackles the real-life cases of Ed and Lorraine Warren while also expanding its lore by focusing on demonic entities, such as Valak and Malthus.
The main The Conjuring movies highlight Ed and Lorraine at the forefront while the spin-off movies revolve around the origins and hauntings of the entities.
Read full article on The Direct.
- 10/10/2023
- by Aeron Mer Eclarinal
- The Direct
Back in August, the Netflix streaming service announced (via their Tudum site) that they would be releasing the documentary The Devil on Trial, which is based on the same true crime case that inspired the 2021 film The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, the third film in the Conjuring series. The Devil on Trial is set to start streaming on October 17th – and with just a couple weeks to go before we reach that date, a trailer for the documentary has arrived online. You can check it out in the embed above.
According to the Tudum listing, The Devil on Trial explores the first — and only — time “demonic possession” has officially been used as a defense in a US murder trial. Including firsthand accounts of alleged devil possession and a shocking murder, this extraordinary story forces reflection on our fear of the unknown.
The documentary has been directed by...
According to the Tudum listing, The Devil on Trial explores the first — and only — time “demonic possession” has officially been used as a defense in a US murder trial. Including firsthand accounts of alleged devil possession and a shocking murder, this extraordinary story forces reflection on our fear of the unknown.
The documentary has been directed by...
- 10/4/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Third franchise installment The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It came along in 2021, and like the other films in the franchise it was inspired by a true story of true evil.
The film was based on the first person in the US to use “the devil made me do it” in a murder defense, and an upcoming Netflix documentary explores that true story this Halloween.
Netflix’s The Devil on Trial premieres on October 17, 2023.
Watch the official trailer below.
“The Devil on Trial explores the first — and only — time “demonic possession” has officially been used as a defense in a US murder trial. Including firsthand accounts of alleged devil possession and a shocking murder, this extraordinary story forces reflection on our fear of the unknown.”
Here’s some more information about the case…
It was one of the most sensational murder trials of the 1980s. When Arne Cheyenne Johnson...
The film was based on the first person in the US to use “the devil made me do it” in a murder defense, and an upcoming Netflix documentary explores that true story this Halloween.
Netflix’s The Devil on Trial premieres on October 17, 2023.
Watch the official trailer below.
“The Devil on Trial explores the first — and only — time “demonic possession” has officially been used as a defense in a US murder trial. Including firsthand accounts of alleged devil possession and a shocking murder, this extraordinary story forces reflection on our fear of the unknown.”
Here’s some more information about the case…
It was one of the most sensational murder trials of the 1980s. When Arne Cheyenne Johnson...
- 10/4/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Apple TV+ has announced that they will be releasing the four-part documentary The Enfield Poltergeist – which tells about the case that served as inspiration for The Conjuring 2 – on October 27th, just in time for Halloween viewings. Along with that announcement comes the unveiling of a trailer for the docu-series, and you can check it out in the embed above.
According to Deadline, The Enfield Poltergeist relies on more than 250 hours of audio archive to help recreate the infamous events in Enfield. Throughout four episodes, the events at Enfield are reconstructed using the recordings captured by Maurice Grosse, a paranormal investigator who archived all of his interviews from back in the day. The doc built a replica of the council house where the incidents took place so performers could reenact what is heard on the tapes.
The docu-series also features appearances by people who were actually involved in the haunting case.
According to Deadline, The Enfield Poltergeist relies on more than 250 hours of audio archive to help recreate the infamous events in Enfield. Throughout four episodes, the events at Enfield are reconstructed using the recordings captured by Maurice Grosse, a paranormal investigator who archived all of his interviews from back in the day. The doc built a replica of the council house where the incidents took place so performers could reenact what is heard on the tapes.
The docu-series also features appearances by people who were actually involved in the haunting case.
- 9/26/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
The Conjuring 2, the 2016 horror blockbuster directed by James Wan, was based on the true story of the Enfield Poltergeist, a terrifying case of paranormal activity that plagued a family in London in the late 1970s. Now, Apple TV+ is bringing the real story to life in a new four-part docuseries that will premiere on October 27, just in time for Halloween.
The docuseries, titled The Enfield Poltergeist, will use more than 250 hours of rare audio archive, original interviews with the people impacted by the case, and meticulous recreation of the setting of the haunting to explore the human fascination with the unexplained and its impact on those who live it. The series will feature the recordings captured by Maurice Grosse, a paranormal investigator who documented all of his interviews with the Hodgson family, who experienced poltergeist phenomena in their council house in Enfield. The series will also build an exact...
The docuseries, titled The Enfield Poltergeist, will use more than 250 hours of rare audio archive, original interviews with the people impacted by the case, and meticulous recreation of the setting of the haunting to explore the human fascination with the unexplained and its impact on those who live it. The series will feature the recordings captured by Maurice Grosse, a paranormal investigator who documented all of his interviews with the Hodgson family, who experienced poltergeist phenomena in their council house in Enfield. The series will also build an exact...
- 9/25/2023
- by CineArticles Editorial Team
- https://thecinemanews.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_4649
Netflix’s The Devil on Trial documentary examines the first murder trial in the United States to use the devil made me do it as a defense. The demonic possession trial took place in 1981, and although it’s been re-imagined for multiple films, many of the people with firsthand knowledge of the case have never been interviewed as a part of a documentary until now.
Teenager Arne Cheyenne Johnson claimed to have been controlled by demonic forces when he brutally murdered his landlord, Alan Bono. Johnson’s case had a link to Ed and Lorraine Warren, the paranormal investigators whose work was the basis for The Conjuring and who examined the original Amityville haunting. In the end, the jury didn’t accept the demonic possession defense, and Arne Cheyenne Johnson was convicted of first-degree manslaughter.
The Devil on Trial, which just debuted a motion poster, is set to air on...
Teenager Arne Cheyenne Johnson claimed to have been controlled by demonic forces when he brutally murdered his landlord, Alan Bono. Johnson’s case had a link to Ed and Lorraine Warren, the paranormal investigators whose work was the basis for The Conjuring and who examined the original Amityville haunting. In the end, the jury didn’t accept the demonic possession defense, and Arne Cheyenne Johnson was convicted of first-degree manslaughter.
The Devil on Trial, which just debuted a motion poster, is set to air on...
- 9/21/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Third franchise installment The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It came along in 2021, and like the other films in the franchise it was inspired by a true story of true evil.
The film was based on the first person in the US to use “the devil made me do it” in a murder defense, and an upcoming Netflix documentary explores that true story this Halloween.
Netflix has announced today that The Devil on Trial premieres on October 17, 2023.
Check out a motion poster below and expect the trailer soon.
“The Devil on Trial explores the first — and only — time “demonic possession” has officially been used as a defense in a US murder trial. Including firsthand accounts of alleged devil possession and a shocking murder, this extraordinary story forces reflection on our fear of the unknown.”
Here’s some more information about the case…
It was one of the most sensational murder trials of the 1980s.
The film was based on the first person in the US to use “the devil made me do it” in a murder defense, and an upcoming Netflix documentary explores that true story this Halloween.
Netflix has announced today that The Devil on Trial premieres on October 17, 2023.
Check out a motion poster below and expect the trailer soon.
“The Devil on Trial explores the first — and only — time “demonic possession” has officially been used as a defense in a US murder trial. Including firsthand accounts of alleged devil possession and a shocking murder, this extraordinary story forces reflection on our fear of the unknown.”
Here’s some more information about the case…
It was one of the most sensational murder trials of the 1980s.
- 9/20/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Move over, Marvel: The Conjuring Universe is the greatest modern cinematic universe.
The quality has been consistent. The mythology is complex without being confusing. The heroic human leads are among the finest horror protagonists of the 21st century so far. The demonic villains are often truly unsettling and despicable. Every chapter in the franchise has enriched what came before while setting the stage for what comes next. You think superhero fans have been eating well at the pop culture buffet? Horror fans have had it even better.
And now that there are eight films in the Conjuring Universe, some casual viewers or newcomers may have questions. After all, entering any ongoing film series can be a tricky proposition. Do you start with the best of the bunch and then pick and choose from there? Do you watch them all in release order? Or, in the case of something as timeline-happy as the Conjuring Universe,...
The quality has been consistent. The mythology is complex without being confusing. The heroic human leads are among the finest horror protagonists of the 21st century so far. The demonic villains are often truly unsettling and despicable. Every chapter in the franchise has enriched what came before while setting the stage for what comes next. You think superhero fans have been eating well at the pop culture buffet? Horror fans have had it even better.
And now that there are eight films in the Conjuring Universe, some casual viewers or newcomers may have questions. After all, entering any ongoing film series can be a tricky proposition. Do you start with the best of the bunch and then pick and choose from there? Do you watch them all in release order? Or, in the case of something as timeline-happy as the Conjuring Universe,...
- 9/15/2023
- by Jacob Hall
- Slash Film
It took nearly 20 years to make "The Conjuring," a "based on a true story" film about the supposed hauntings of the Perron family in Harrisville, Rhode Island. For over 14 years, producer Tony DeRosa-Grund went from studio to studio trying to make the film happen, but it wasn't until writers Chad and Carey W. Hayes updated the script and shifted the perspective from the Perron family to paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren that there was movement on the picture. The duo interviewed Lorraine Warren to ensure authenticity, and the new script sparked a massive bidding war. The Hayes brothers had cracked the code — the secret of what would become a massive franchise lay with the Warrens.
Before the era of televised paranormal investigators like Zak Bagans of "Ghost Adventures" or "Kindred Spirits" stars Amy Bruni and Adam Berry, there were Ed and Lorraine Warren. Ed was a professed demonologist, while...
Before the era of televised paranormal investigators like Zak Bagans of "Ghost Adventures" or "Kindred Spirits" stars Amy Bruni and Adam Berry, there were Ed and Lorraine Warren. Ed was a professed demonologist, while...
- 9/13/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Haunted dolls in horror make for a perfect mix of the occult and the mundane. An everyday object, or toy to be precise, can be responsible for terrors unimaginable once it assumes a life of its own in ways that cannot be explained or articulated. The Conjuring Universe often hinges itself on haunted everyday objects and occurrences, but the Annabelle doll serves as the foundation for a franchise that revolves around the dramatized lives of paranormal researchers Ed and Lorraine Warren. These fictionalized cases, which are allegedly based on actual paranormal activity investigated by the real Warrens, generally deal with evil entities, and Annabelle's introduction to the big screen helped these films gain mainstream attention and balloon into the massive horror franchise we know and love today.
Popular perception of the Warrens, which has almost entirely been shaped by Hollywood portrayal, mars details of actual investigative reports surrounding the cases...
Popular perception of the Warrens, which has almost entirely been shaped by Hollywood portrayal, mars details of actual investigative reports surrounding the cases...
- 9/12/2023
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
This article contains major The Nun II spoilers.
Since its inception, the Conjuring franchise has been built and marketed around the creepy sales pitch that these movies are “based on a true story.” It worked particularly well with the first couple of films directed by James Wan, with each film inspired (liberally) by the case files of supposed demonic possession and hauntings gathered by Ed and Lorraine Warren, two real-life and self-proclaimed investigators of the paranormal.
As the franchise expanded though, with spinoff films where a doll summons up a werewolf in Annabelle Comes Home and a demonic entity wipes out an entire castle full of holy sisters in The Nun, the assertion that these are true stories have grown thinner and ever more incredulous. So when The Nun II revealed that arguably the entire Conjuring Cinematic Universe has grown out of one demon’s search for the eyes of St.
Since its inception, the Conjuring franchise has been built and marketed around the creepy sales pitch that these movies are “based on a true story.” It worked particularly well with the first couple of films directed by James Wan, with each film inspired (liberally) by the case files of supposed demonic possession and hauntings gathered by Ed and Lorraine Warren, two real-life and self-proclaimed investigators of the paranormal.
As the franchise expanded though, with spinoff films where a doll summons up a werewolf in Annabelle Comes Home and a demonic entity wipes out an entire castle full of holy sisters in The Nun, the assertion that these are true stories have grown thinner and ever more incredulous. So when The Nun II revealed that arguably the entire Conjuring Cinematic Universe has grown out of one demon’s search for the eyes of St.
- 9/11/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
This article contains major spoilers for "The Nun II."
Has "The Nun II" signaled the start of a fresh, new subgenre of films? After the success of the Russell Crowe-starring "The Pope's Exorcist," maybe we ought to welcome our newest overlords: supernatural-themed horror movies following associates of the Vatican who investigate paranormal events. Call me crazy, but I know a pattern when I see one!
Okay, maybe that's a bit of a stretch (as much as we'd love to see that happen!), but there's no hiding the fact that audiences simply can't get enough of anything related to filmmaker James Wan's "The Conjuring" universe ... including movies that are lacking the involvement of fan-favorite characters Ed and Lorraine Warren. The opening weekend box office haul of "The Nun II" speaks for itself, even as the overall critical reception indicates there's still room for improvement. (You can check out my mixed-positive review for /Film here.
Has "The Nun II" signaled the start of a fresh, new subgenre of films? After the success of the Russell Crowe-starring "The Pope's Exorcist," maybe we ought to welcome our newest overlords: supernatural-themed horror movies following associates of the Vatican who investigate paranormal events. Call me crazy, but I know a pattern when I see one!
Okay, maybe that's a bit of a stretch (as much as we'd love to see that happen!), but there's no hiding the fact that audiences simply can't get enough of anything related to filmmaker James Wan's "The Conjuring" universe ... including movies that are lacking the involvement of fan-favorite characters Ed and Lorraine Warren. The opening weekend box office haul of "The Nun II" speaks for itself, even as the overall critical reception indicates there's still room for improvement. (You can check out my mixed-positive review for /Film here.
- 9/11/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Now that we're nine films into the Conjuring Universe, the series has more or less established a groove for itself, especially where the films' scares are concerned. For the main "Conjuring" films, the scares are "Exorcist" and "Poltergeist"-esque, built around the demon ghosts that Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) encounter as they try to vanquish them. For the spin-off series like the "Annabelle" movies and "The Curse of La Llorona," the titular demon characters act much like franchise slasher villains like Freddy Krueger or Jason Voorhees, stalking and murdering their prey through various means.
"The Nun" films are no exception to this rule, as the latest entry, "The Nun II," features the Demon Nun (Bonnie Aarons) stalking and killing her innocent victims using everything from good old-fashioned neck-breaking to spontaneous combustion. Yet these "kill scenes" are only a portion of the whole film, as every...
"The Nun" films are no exception to this rule, as the latest entry, "The Nun II," features the Demon Nun (Bonnie Aarons) stalking and killing her innocent victims using everything from good old-fashioned neck-breaking to spontaneous combustion. Yet these "kill scenes" are only a portion of the whole film, as every...
- 9/9/2023
- by Bill Bria
- Slash Film
Despite the billions of dollars that have been invested in DC movies over the last decade, the most successful cinematic universe that doesn't have "Marvel" in the name is actually the one that spawned from James Wan's 2013 movie "The Conjuring." Alongside the primary movies about demon-hunters Ed and Lorraine Warren, the franchise has also expanded into spin-offs. Corin Hardy's 2018 film "The Nun," based around the demonic nun first seen in "The Conjuring 2," scored the biggest opening weekend for any "Conjuring" universe so far: an impressive $53.8 million that immediately eclipsed its $22 million production budget.
A sequel directed by Michael Chaves, simply titled "The Nun II," hit theaters this weekend, and while it won't quite reach the heights of the first movie, it's still on track to be another major horror hit for Warner Bros. Pictures. Per The Wrap, "The Nun II" grossed $13.1 million on Friday (including Thursday previews...
A sequel directed by Michael Chaves, simply titled "The Nun II," hit theaters this weekend, and while it won't quite reach the heights of the first movie, it's still on track to be another major horror hit for Warner Bros. Pictures. Per The Wrap, "The Nun II" grossed $13.1 million on Friday (including Thursday previews...
- 9/9/2023
- by Hannah Shaw-Williams
- Slash Film
When taken together as a whole, the various movies included within the confines of The Conjuring Universe are clearly building towards something. While the spin-off films "Annabelle" and "The Nun" have fleshed out the origins of demonic entities that factored into the mainline movies starring Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, they've also created a sense of momentum that the franchise is steadily moving forward to a grand and epic climax of sorts. But even as fans can't help but look ahead to what's coming next, the release of "The Nun II" this weekend (check out my review here) further emphasizes the fact that we've yet to see one incredibly crucial moment that's been teased ever since the first "The Conjuring" in 2013.
Of the many twists and turns featured in 2018's prequel/spin-off "The Nun," arguably the biggest was saved for last. In the concluding moments,...
Of the many twists and turns featured in 2018's prequel/spin-off "The Nun," arguably the biggest was saved for last. In the concluding moments,...
- 9/9/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
"The Conjuring 2" opens with Ed and Lorraine Warren investigating the infamous Amityville house at 112 Ocean Avenue to determine whether or not a demonic presence caused Ronald DeFeo Jr. to commit familial annihilation and the subsequent supernatural events that plagued the Lutz family after they moved into the home. The couple holds a seance and Lorraine is thrust into a terrifying vision where she encounters a demonic nun.
The Nun appears multiple times throughout the film, until Lorraine rightfully addresses it as Valak, a shape-shifting demon, and condemns it back from which it came. James Wan didn't intend for Valak to be such a major player in The Conjuring Universe — honestly, "The Conjuring" was never supposed to spawn a cinematic universe but the fans demanded it — and didn't originally intend for the demon to take the shape of a nun. But The Nun, portrayed by Bonnie Aarons, was so scary...
The Nun appears multiple times throughout the film, until Lorraine rightfully addresses it as Valak, a shape-shifting demon, and condemns it back from which it came. James Wan didn't intend for Valak to be such a major player in The Conjuring Universe — honestly, "The Conjuring" was never supposed to spawn a cinematic universe but the fans demanded it — and didn't originally intend for the demon to take the shape of a nun. But The Nun, portrayed by Bonnie Aarons, was so scary...
- 9/9/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Warning! Contains major spoilers for The Nun II, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, and all other movies in the series!
Do you remember when the Conjuring films were marketed around the idea that these stories (at least in the mainline series) were based on “true events”? How quaint that seems a few years later when Warner Bros. Pictures and director/producer James Wan have built a sprawling, gargantuan shared cinematic universe filled with ghosts, ghouls, and good times in the desecrated church yards!
Indeed, not since the Universal Monsters and the first shared and connected film universe has there been an overarching horror brand as devilishly appealing to moviegoers as the Conjuring Cinematic Universe. With interconnected supernatural terrors that span the 20th century and increasingly tenuous “real events,” the films have turned a doll named Annabelle, the actual figure of legend La Llorona, and a nun with...
Do you remember when the Conjuring films were marketed around the idea that these stories (at least in the mainline series) were based on “true events”? How quaint that seems a few years later when Warner Bros. Pictures and director/producer James Wan have built a sprawling, gargantuan shared cinematic universe filled with ghosts, ghouls, and good times in the desecrated church yards!
Indeed, not since the Universal Monsters and the first shared and connected film universe has there been an overarching horror brand as devilishly appealing to moviegoers as the Conjuring Cinematic Universe. With interconnected supernatural terrors that span the 20th century and increasingly tenuous “real events,” the films have turned a doll named Annabelle, the actual figure of legend La Llorona, and a nun with...
- 9/8/2023
- by Jbindeck2015
- Den of Geek
Dolls, with their lifeless eyes and eerily human-like features, have long been a staple in horror cinema. Their uncanny ability to blur the line between the animate and inanimate makes them the perfect vessel for terror. Whether they’re possessed by malevolent spirits or simply designed to be unsettling, these dolls are anything but child’s play. Here’s a list of ten creepy doll horror movies that will make you rethink that old toy collection gathering dust in your attic.
MGM 10. Child’s Play (1988)
The film that introduced the world to Chucky, the killer doll with the soul of a serial murderer. When young Andy receives a “Good Guy” doll for his birthday, little does he know that it’s possessed by the spirit of Charles Lee Ray, a notorious killer. Child’s Play masterfully combines dark humor with genuine scares, making it a standout in the creepy doll subgenre. Its success spawned numerous sequels,...
MGM 10. Child’s Play (1988)
The film that introduced the world to Chucky, the killer doll with the soul of a serial murderer. When young Andy receives a “Good Guy” doll for his birthday, little does he know that it’s possessed by the spirit of Charles Lee Ray, a notorious killer. Child’s Play masterfully combines dark humor with genuine scares, making it a standout in the creepy doll subgenre. Its success spawned numerous sequels,...
- 9/8/2023
- by Kimberley Elizabeth
This article contains spoilers for "The Nun II."
For the last decade, Vera Farmiga has been playing Lorraine Warren in The Conjuring Universe. Lorraine and husband Ed (Patrick Wilson) have dedicated their lives to fighting the forces of evil. When James Wan first started the film series with "The Conjuring," it's doubtful that he did so realizing he was about to kick off the biggest non-Marvel cinematic universe, but that's exactly what happened. "The Conjuring" stories center on the adventures of The Warrens, while the "Annabelle" movies focus on the demon Malthus, and "The Nun" films follow the demon Valak. The stories often intersect, meaning audiences are constantly coming up with new fan theories to explain how they're all connected.
"American Horror Story" and "The Final Girls" star Taissa Farmiga is the real-life sister of Vera and was cast to play Sister Irene in "The Nun" back in 2018. Like Lorraine,...
For the last decade, Vera Farmiga has been playing Lorraine Warren in The Conjuring Universe. Lorraine and husband Ed (Patrick Wilson) have dedicated their lives to fighting the forces of evil. When James Wan first started the film series with "The Conjuring," it's doubtful that he did so realizing he was about to kick off the biggest non-Marvel cinematic universe, but that's exactly what happened. "The Conjuring" stories center on the adventures of The Warrens, while the "Annabelle" movies focus on the demon Malthus, and "The Nun" films follow the demon Valak. The stories often intersect, meaning audiences are constantly coming up with new fan theories to explain how they're all connected.
"American Horror Story" and "The Final Girls" star Taissa Farmiga is the real-life sister of Vera and was cast to play Sister Irene in "The Nun" back in 2018. Like Lorraine,...
- 9/8/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
This article contains spoilers for "The Nun 2."
For the most part, the stories in The Conjuring Universe are remembered as ghosts and hauntings, despite the fact that demons and possessions are very much embedded in the DNA of "The Conjuring," "Annabelle," and "The Nun" films. Ghosts are typically waved away as being "not real" and the demon Valak of "The Nun" series is based on Valac, a demon described in the anonymous book on sorcery, "The Lesser Key of Solomon." Malthus, the demon responsible for the cursed Annabelle doll is based on Halphas, also depicted in "The Lesser Key of Solomon" as well as in Johann Weyer's "Pseudomonarchia Daemonum," which identifies 69 (nice) demons and how to conjure them.
This is the same guide that named King Paimon of "Hereditary" fame, as well as Raum in "League of Legends." Valak is also present, but as "President Volac," which might as...
For the most part, the stories in The Conjuring Universe are remembered as ghosts and hauntings, despite the fact that demons and possessions are very much embedded in the DNA of "The Conjuring," "Annabelle," and "The Nun" films. Ghosts are typically waved away as being "not real" and the demon Valak of "The Nun" series is based on Valac, a demon described in the anonymous book on sorcery, "The Lesser Key of Solomon." Malthus, the demon responsible for the cursed Annabelle doll is based on Halphas, also depicted in "The Lesser Key of Solomon" as well as in Johann Weyer's "Pseudomonarchia Daemonum," which identifies 69 (nice) demons and how to conjure them.
This is the same guide that named King Paimon of "Hereditary" fame, as well as Raum in "League of Legends." Valak is also present, but as "President Volac," which might as...
- 9/8/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
This article contains spoilers for "The Nun II."
The events of "The Nun II" pick up four years after "The Nun," with Sister Irene (Taissa Farmiga) called once again to assist with taking down the demon Valak (Bonnie Aarons) following a string of priest murders throughout Europe. Unfortunately, Sister Irene doesn't know what audiences who saw the previous film already do, which is that Valak has been using Maurice "Frenchie" Theriault's (Jonas Bloquet) body as a vessel, as proven by the inverted cross embedded in his skin. When we catch up with Frenchie, he's started working at a girl's boarding school as a handyman, and in a will-they/won't-they relationship with one of the teachers, Kate (Anna Popplewell). He's become somewhat of a father figure to her daughter, Sophie (Katelyn Rose Downey), and has built a wonderful life for himself. Alas, Valak refuses to stay contained for long, and Sister...
The events of "The Nun II" pick up four years after "The Nun," with Sister Irene (Taissa Farmiga) called once again to assist with taking down the demon Valak (Bonnie Aarons) following a string of priest murders throughout Europe. Unfortunately, Sister Irene doesn't know what audiences who saw the previous film already do, which is that Valak has been using Maurice "Frenchie" Theriault's (Jonas Bloquet) body as a vessel, as proven by the inverted cross embedded in his skin. When we catch up with Frenchie, he's started working at a girl's boarding school as a handyman, and in a will-they/won't-they relationship with one of the teachers, Kate (Anna Popplewell). He's become somewhat of a father figure to her daughter, Sophie (Katelyn Rose Downey), and has built a wonderful life for himself. Alas, Valak refuses to stay contained for long, and Sister...
- 9/8/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
10 years ago, horror maestro James Wan released a film about the real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren called "The Conjuring," which has since spawned into its own horrifying cinematic universe. The first spin-off was "Annabelle," a possessed-doll movie inspired by the real-life doll residing in the Warrens' home and Occult Museum in 1970. Then, during "The Conjuring 2," Wan introduced the demon Valak, who took the form of a terrifying Nun to terrorize Lorraine.
Played by Bonnie Aarons (who is currently suing for not being fairly compensated for how much merchandise has been made using her likeness as the character), The Nun was so effectively scary that fans begged for a solo spin-off, which came in 2018 with "The Nun." While The Conjuring Universe has no shortage of spooky figures, the Nun is almost universally understood as the creepiest of the bunch.
Five years later, "The Nun II" is now in theaters,...
Played by Bonnie Aarons (who is currently suing for not being fairly compensated for how much merchandise has been made using her likeness as the character), The Nun was so effectively scary that fans begged for a solo spin-off, which came in 2018 with "The Nun." While The Conjuring Universe has no shortage of spooky figures, the Nun is almost universally understood as the creepiest of the bunch.
Five years later, "The Nun II" is now in theaters,...
- 9/8/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
You can’t keep a good demon down — not when they can still bring in the crowds.
You might have thought the title character met its end in 2018’s The Nun, having been fed the blood of Christ and all. But since that film became the highest-grossing entry in the Conjuring Universe, there was little doubt that it would return in a sequel featuring a Roman numeral in its title. Thus arrives The Nun II, bringing you more of the same, only with even more jump scares engineered by sadistic sound technicians who crank the volume up to 11 as if they were torturing lab animals.
Directed by Michael Chavis, a Conjuring veteran who previously helmed the entries The Curse of La Llorona and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (how was that last one not a parody?), this 1956-set installment once again features Taissa Farmiga as Sister Irene,...
You might have thought the title character met its end in 2018’s The Nun, having been fed the blood of Christ and all. But since that film became the highest-grossing entry in the Conjuring Universe, there was little doubt that it would return in a sequel featuring a Roman numeral in its title. Thus arrives The Nun II, bringing you more of the same, only with even more jump scares engineered by sadistic sound technicians who crank the volume up to 11 as if they were torturing lab animals.
Directed by Michael Chavis, a Conjuring veteran who previously helmed the entries The Curse of La Llorona and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (how was that last one not a parody?), this 1956-set installment once again features Taissa Farmiga as Sister Irene,...
- 9/8/2023
- by Frank Scheck
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The following contains major spoilers for "The Nun II."
Fire is one of the most potent and common elements seen in religious iconography, for very good reasons. It not only turns up as a representative of God in the Jewish and Christian faiths (the infamous "burning bush" seen by Moses), it also acts as a catch-all symbol for faith itself. Fire can be seen as an agent of purification, burning away sin and corruption. It can also be seen as a perpetual force that represents the staunch power of one's belief, often in the form of a lit candle.
It's no surprise, then, that fire is all over "The Nun II," literally and metaphorically. The movie is the 9th in the film series The Conjuring Universe, movies that began as fictionalized adaptations of the life and times of demon hunters Ed and Lorraine Warren (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga...
Fire is one of the most potent and common elements seen in religious iconography, for very good reasons. It not only turns up as a representative of God in the Jewish and Christian faiths (the infamous "burning bush" seen by Moses), it also acts as a catch-all symbol for faith itself. Fire can be seen as an agent of purification, burning away sin and corruption. It can also be seen as a perpetual force that represents the staunch power of one's belief, often in the form of a lit candle.
It's no surprise, then, that fire is all over "The Nun II," literally and metaphorically. The movie is the 9th in the film series The Conjuring Universe, movies that began as fictionalized adaptations of the life and times of demon hunters Ed and Lorraine Warren (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga...
- 9/7/2023
- by Bill Bria
- Slash Film
We never thought we’d be writing about another supposed Conjuring film, but lo and behold, 10 years into the franchise, it isn’t taking a pause just yet. The Nun 2 has just been released and is garnering a mixed reaction from fans. The film, set four years after the first Nun film, is, in a sense, a prequel to 2013’s The Conjuring. The Conjure-verse (we just made that up; don’t come at us) consists of eight films, but don’t be mistaken by The Curse of La Llorana, which was not, in fact, a part of the universe, but a stand-alone film and has created a huge reputation for itself in the horror world.
It’s impossible for horror fans not to mention The Conjuring when talking about their beloved genre, whether in a good or bad way, because the films have been everywhere for the last 10 years.
It’s impossible for horror fans not to mention The Conjuring when talking about their beloved genre, whether in a good or bad way, because the films have been everywhere for the last 10 years.
- 9/7/2023
- by Ruchika Bhat
- Film Fugitives
From "Saw" and "Halloween" to "Scream" and "Paranormal Activity," so many of our favorite horror films have gone on to become huge franchises with multiple sequel films. However, none top the success of "The Conjuring." Since launching in 2013, "The Conjuring" movies have made over two billion dollars at the box office, making it the highest-grossing horror franchise of all time. A decade after it first began, the franchise is still going strong today. The latest film in "The Conjuring" cinematic universe, "The Nun 2," is set to hit theaters on Friday, Sept. 8.
"The Nun" is just one of several spin-off franchises that have come out of "The Conjuring." The others are the "Anabelle" franchise and "The Curse of La Llorona." In total, there are nine films that are part of this shared universe. Since they all take place in different locations around the world and at different time periods, it...
"The Nun" is just one of several spin-off franchises that have come out of "The Conjuring." The others are the "Anabelle" franchise and "The Curse of La Llorona." In total, there are nine films that are part of this shared universe. Since they all take place in different locations around the world and at different time periods, it...
- 9/6/2023
- by Michele Mendez
- Popsugar.com
As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Conjuring franchise, it’s fascinating to note that The Nun was released almost exactly five years ago to the day The Nun 2 is set to hit the screens. Amidst the various malevolent entities that Ed and Lorraine Warren have confronted, one figure stands out as the most chilling—simply known as The Nun. This unsettling evil presence has become iconic ever since it first graced the screen. What’s intriguing is that the nun’s sinister history dates back further than many might realize, making it essential for die-hard fans of The Conjuring universe to keep up with the lore. However, fear not if you’ve lost touch with the franchise, because if you’re eager to dive into the new film and want a quick refresher, we’ve got you covered with the key details you need to know before...
- 9/6/2023
- by Ruchika Bhat
- Film Fugitives
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